Robert Nathan Crawley

Robert Nathan Crawley of Jackson, Tenn. passed away of natural causes at Regency Assisted Living on March 18, 2023 at the age of 89.

Robert (Bob) was born May 17, 1933, in the Mount Carmel Community of Decatur County, Tenn. to the late William Clay and Lillie Mayme (Phillips) Crawley. Robert graduated from Decatur County High School, before joining the U.S. Air Force at age 19. He married his childhood sweetheart, Edna Faye (Williams) Crawley, on May 7, 1955. They were married for 67 years. In those years they were blessed with four daughters, 10 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Bob served in the military for 11 years. During his time in the Air Force, he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and received many commendations and medals. He received an honorable medical discharge in 1964.

Bob went into U.S. Civil Service with the Air Force as a communications specialist until 1971. He attended the FAA Academy for air traffic control in Oklahoma City, OK. He then began his career in Jackson, Miss. in 1972. He later transferred to Memphis and finally Jackson, Tenn. until his retirement in 1992.

Bob enjoyed spending time at the Crawley Family Tennessee Century Farm which has been in his family since 1824. He took pleasure in fishing, watching his favorite sports teams, and keeping his yard beautiful. He looked forward to family time and meeting daily with friends at the mall to walk and play cards. He attended First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Jackson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Faye Crawley; daughter, Teresa Crawley; grandson, Brandon Mayo; and brothers, Alton Fred Crawley and Tom Frank Crawley.

He is survived by his daughters, Debby Long (Alan) of Jackson, Tenn., Lisa Mayo of Pinson, Tenn. and Robin Phillips (Kevin) of Jackson, Tenn.; grandchildren are Kelly Clark of Walls, Miss., Nathan Long (Holly) of Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Ben Clark (Morgan) of Jackson, Tenn. Parker Long (Leah) of Nashville, Andrew Long (Alexis) of Jackson, Tenn., Evan Mayo of Nashville, Victoria Phillips of Portland, OR, Jackson Phillips of Memphis, Tenn. and Alden Phillips of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Bob is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Christian, Levi, SarahBeth, Hannah, Sadie, Magnolia, Joanna and Liza.

His surviving siblings are Bill Crawley of Bilioxi, Miss., Buford Crawley of Decaturville, Susie Stout of Decaturville, Tenn., Neva Crowell of Decaturville, Tenn. and Denver Crawley of Lexington, Tenn.

All expressions of sympathy including flowers, cards, memorial donations are welcome. Memorial donations may be sent to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Jackson or the American Cancer Society.

Serving as pallbearer will be his seven surviving grandsons.

Services for Robert Nathan Crawley, officiated by Buford “Duke” Crawley, Jr., will be held at the George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home North, 2812 North Highland Avenue, Jackson, Tenn., on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. Entombment will follow immediately after at Highland Memorial Gardens.