Leroy Crawford Jr., age 81, of Lebanon, Tennessee passed away peacefully at Vanderbilt Hospital Nashville with family by his side on Saturday, August 7, 2021.
Mr. Crawford was born July 28, 1940 to Leroy Crawford, Sr. and Josephine (Berry) Crawford in Issaquena County, Mississippi.
As a child, Leroy enjoyed a lively childhood with his sister and brothers in the Mississippi Delta. As a teenager, he excelled in sports (baseball) and later pursued his interest for veterinary and animal sciences. Leroy was passionate about equine and bovine specialties.
Leroy is survived by his loving, supportive wife Gladys of 42 years; sons: Leroy Crawford, III, Glen (Tracy) Crawford, Michael Crawford, Mark (Camaesha) Crawford, and Derrick Crawford; daughters: Dorthea (Curtis) Clay, Barbara (Troy) Barnes and Adrian ( Jeffery) McDaniel; thirty-two grandchildren (32): Bethanie, Byron, Cederrica, Cameron, Danielle, Darien, Denita, Fredrick, Frederick, Jackie, Javon, Josiah, Kaiden, Kevin, Kiera, Latoya, Madison, Mark Jr., Matthew, Michkalyn, Rashad, Rashonda, Raven, Sharon, Shederick, Sherita, Sienna, Sonya, Sydney, Trenata, Tyrese and Zachary; twenty-two great-grandchildren (22); two great-great-grandchildren (2); sister, Louella (Eugene) Bell;
brother, Willie Charles (Carolyn) Cole, and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. Leroy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend to all.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Maurice Crawford; and three brothers: Hulon Crawford, Albert “Bo” Walker, and Levi Crawford.
Leroy retired five years ago as a horse trainer and roping clinic extraordinaire and remained an important, integral part of the Charlie Daniels Band (CDB) and Twin Pines Ranch family. He was an avid, dynamic team roper. Also, he enjoyed fishing, traveling, collecting vintage stamps and coins, and spending time with family and friends. Leroy was always there to help and encourage others and his knowledge and skillset were unmatched. Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith and love for God which he shared with those around him. His caring, warm personality brought so much joy to the many lives he touched. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
In observance of the CDC guidelines, and in light of the COVID-19 Delta Virus Variant we are still practicing 6-foot social distancing. Mask requirement and temperature checks strictly enforced.
The family understands that due to the current concerns regarding large gatherings, many who wish to show their love and support in person will be unable to do so. Please leave your condolences online.
Therefore, they would like to express their gratitude for all the thoughts and prayers extended to them at this time.
We encourage you to leave condolences to the family via our website at www.neublemonumentfuneralhome.com.
Please keep the Family in your prayers.
