Kenneth Jack Crawford

Mr. Kenneth Jack Crawford, age 85 of Griffin, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2014. Mr. Crawford was born in Griffin, Georgia on October 13, 1928. He was preceded in death by parents, Wade Crawford and Lois Phillips Crawford. He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Korean Conflict. Jack was an avid fisherman, loved sports and was entered into the Spalding Hall of Fame, and was devoted to his grandchildren. He was a member of Devotie Baptist Church and the “Class of ‘48”. Jack was known for his speed on the football team, but he also proved his great athletic ability in track and baseball, having pitched the first no-hitter that Spalding High School ever had in 1948. Proving his motto, “To serve school and society through sports”, Jack held the following honors: member of the “S” Club, 1945-1948; Most Athletic, 1948; WKEU’s Most Outstanding Athlete, 1948; and Atlanta Journal’s Outstanding Athlete in 1948. Entering the United States Navy in 1948, Jack did not accept either of the football scholarships offered him from Furman and Clemson. He served during the Korean Conflict and was discharged in 1952. After discharge, Jack joined the work force of the Atlanta Army Depot and retired in 1974. In 1968 and 1969, Jack was the oldest and fastest man on the Devotie Baptist Church team, helping to lead the church team to league champions both years. He retired from active sports at the age of 42 when he slid into second base and broke his ankle. He then became active in the Griffin Babe Ruth program the first two years of its formation, serving as president in 1974. Displayed among his trophies is his mounted baseball that was autographed by Mrs. Babe Ruth. Survivors include, his wife of 63 years, Becky S. Crawford; son, Ken Crawford; daughter and son-in-law, Karon and Tim White; grandchildren, Jake and Jennifer White; Wade White and his fiancée Kayla Floyd; Stewart Crawford and Rebecca Crawford; great-granddaughter, Lily Grace White; sisters, Annie George Stansell and her husband, Larry of Griffin; Mary Smith and her husband, Euel of Griffin; Pat Morris and her husband, Grady of Griffin; sister-in-law, Betty S. Stemberger; special friends, Alfred and Delores Martinez of Omaha, Nebraska; A. L. and Carol Ross of Griffin; special nephews and “fishing buddies”, Tom and Rob Stemberger; several other nieces and nephews. Visitation for Mr. Jack Crawford will be Sunday, March 2, 2014 from 2:30pm until 4:00pm at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at 4:00pm in the Chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Reverend Jered Day will officiate. Those desiring may make donations to the Devotie Baptist Church Romanian Mission Trip or to the Building Fund.

Kenneth Jack Crawford

October 13, 1928 - February 28, 2014