Billy Atlee Crawford, Jr. was born on August 15, 1943, to the late Billy Atlee Crawford, Sr. and Charlotte Russell Crawford.

Billy grew up surrounded by people and animals he loved, learning to fish and hunt alongside his mother, playing with his younger sister, and being 100% boy. He filled his childhood with adventures, mischief, and more than a few close calls. He never met a hobby he wouldn’t try, a food he wouldn’t taste, or an experience he shied away from.

After graduating from high school, Billy dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but college was financially out of reach. Instead, he learned the trade of meat cutting, and no matter what path life led him down, he took great pride in doing every job to the very best of his ability.

Billy proudly served in the Army National Guard. He met the love of his life, Peggy, at Tiny’s Drive-In, and they married the month she graduated from high school. During their early years together, Billy’s health began to fail, changing the course of their lives forever. Even through chronic illness and pain, he never stopped working, providing, and caring for his family.

Together they welcomed their first child, a daughter, and five years later, a son who would carry on the family name.

Billy lived life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He earned his pilot’s license, learned to skydive, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He could build or repair almost anything he set his mind to. He loved gardening, canning, foraging, landscaping, motorcycles, and cars. He was an Ohio State Indoor Archery Champion, co-owned a sporting goods store, rescued animals, gave the very best back rubs to his girls, owned his own business, and successfully began several different careers throughout his life. Later, he answered God’s call to ministry and faithfully served as a local pastor.

Yet of all the titles he held, none brought him more joy than “Pappy.” For the past 31 years, being a grandfather was his greatest privilege and happiest role.

Billy’s love, wisdom, warm hugs, and unwavering devotion will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 60 years, Peggy Errett Crawford; his daughter, Jody Darst and husband Mark; his son, Billy Crawford III; his granddaughters, Alexandra Darst Huth and husband KC, and Rebekah Darst; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Morgan and Rori Huth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his only sibling, Margaret Crawford Shell; and was undoubtedly welcomed into Heaven by his beloved grandmother, Margaret Crawford.

In accordance with Billy’s wishes, there will be no visitation or formal services.