Orlando Crawford Jr.

Orlando Crawford Jr. (Senior Chief) went home to be with the Lord after a long stay at the VA Medical Center from March 11, 2011 to July 18, 2024.

Orlando Crawford Jr. was born April 2, 1941 in Bainbridge, Ga to the late Orlando Crawford Sr., and Willie Lou Crawford. He was preceded in death by his sister Addie Fisher, brother Benny Crawford, and daughter Deborah C. Saddler.

Orlando attended and graduated from Hutto High School. He was Christian and attended First African Baptist Church where he was later baptized. After graduation, he left Bainbridge Ga and went to Buffalo New York and later joined the U.S. Navy as a Culinary Specialist in 1961. He served 22 years in the U.S. Navy and retired in July 1982 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer E-8. He also worked for the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources at Bainbridge State Hospital for 15 years as a security officer corporal and later retired.

Orlando Crawford married Symantha Smith on May 4, 1963. They have been married 61 years. To their union they had 5 children: Michael D. Crawford, the late Deborah C. Saddler, Orlando Crawford Jr. III, Kevin L. Crawford, and Lawanda R. Crawford-Foston. He was a role model to many. He was a member of the American Legion, merchant marine, and foreign war affairs. He loved to cook and bake, listen to music, play cards, and garden. He loved to get together with family, take long rides with his wife and spend time with his kids and grandkids.

Orlando leaves to celebrate his life his wife Symantha A. Crawford, his sons Michael D. Crawford-USN Retired (Jodi)-Norfolk, VA., Orlando Crawford Jr. III. (Trella)-Huntsville, AL., Kevin L. Crawford (Kim)-Independence, MO., a daughter, LaWanda R. Crawford-Foston-Cincinnati, OH. He also leaves 18 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren, 2 sisters in law (Martha “CeeCee” Roane and Kathy Smith), 3 brothers in law (John B. Turner, Craig Smith and Nathan Smith), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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