Willie â��Billâ�� Crawford was born October 31, 1928, to Eddie and Ellen Crawford in Perry, Mississippi. He spent his early childhood in Hattiesburg Mississippi. He was baptized at an early age and served the Lord faithfully. He was on the Usher Board at his church, Devine Temple and his Masonic Order.   

In his early days, Willie ventured to California to assist his family in relocating. He worked for Lockheed Air Craft for many years.  Willie was resourceful and engaged in any activity to earn money.  Such activities included working all kinds of jobs, boxing, restaurants until he saved enough to send for his father and 3 brothers. Then later the rest of the family arrived.  In 1949, Willie met and eventually married Bobbie Dean Eldridge and to this union, 5 lovely daughters were born: Renee Marie, Audrey Denise, Linda Darlene, Joan Michelle, and Debra Ann; during this time all the family lived together in California. Willie enjoyed horse racing, old cowboy movies, and sports. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and hanging out with his brother Frank. He also helped many people in need. That was our dad.  

Willie departed this life Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at 5:40 am. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Willie â��Dankaâ�� Junior, his daughter Renee Marie Smith, his brothers: Jimmy Lee, David, J.C., Eugene and Eddie Junior; his sister Lillie B Welcher and a son-in-law, Michael Mathis.  

He leaves to mourn his passing 4 daughters: Audrey Denise (Patrick) Mathis, Linda Darlene (Michael) Fields, Joan Michelle Mathis and Debra Ann Crawford; 2 brothers Frank & George Crawford; 2 sisters Mary Ellen McIntyre and Lillie B Crawford, seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.