Roy A. Crawley

Roy Adolphus Crawley was born on September 20, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Hazel Riley (nee Roseboro) and Samuel M. Crawley. He was the younger of two children: his brother, also named Samuel (Lillian, deceased) lived in Philadelphia and preceded him in death. Roy spent his formative years with his maternal grandmother, the late Irene Roseboro, and he would often speak very lovingly of his time with her. After graduating from Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954.  Roy married Carolyn Butler from Ardmore, PA on June 14, 1958, and had four children: twins Karen and Kevin, Kirk, and Renee’.

Roy served in the Air Force for 20 years, with official duty stations in Germany, Taiwan, Turkey, Maryland (twice), Japan, and Thailand. The nature of Roy’s work took him to many temporary duty assignments at undisclosed locations. During his service, Roy was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1974 with the rank of Technical Sergeant, Roy began another career at Sears, Roebuck, and Co., retiring from there after 20 years.

Roy was a member of the Donasans Social Club while stationed at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan, the Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), and an active member of the Ft. Meade Protestant community for decades, participating in what is now the Contemporary Worship Service at 6th Armored Cavalry Chapel (Chapel Next), as well as President of the Protestant Men of the Chapel (PMOC).

Roy Crawley was an accomplished musician, playing alto and tenor saxophones and clarinet, and he taught his children to play as well. The story goes that he stopped playing at about the same time his children took control of his musical instruments… Roy’s other hobbies/interests included coin collecting, genealogy, and investing. He was the family’s go-to resource for all these activities.

Roy Crawley was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who truly loved, and was truly loved by, his family.

Roy is survived by his wife, Carolyn (nee Butler); four children: twins Karen Crawley-Buckholtz (David) and Kevin (Cheryl), Kirk, and Renee’; grandchildren Brandon Buckholtz, Brenda Delbrey, Danielle Crawley, Shana Buckholtz, Natalie Green (Daniel), Arianna Crawley, Tyrie Coles (Jeanette), Antonio Cornish (Kimberly), Tonney Thorpe (Elroyd),  and Tynieshi Smith; nephew Samuel M. Crawley, nieces Joyce Richmond, Laura Crawley-Cain, and Lenora Crawley-Bell; cousin Jeanne Chavious; 19 great-grandchildren; numerous second cousins and extended family; and a host of friends who became family over the years.