SHELBY: Bobby Joe Crawford, 84, died Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Atrium Health-Shelby. A native of Cleveland Co., he was born to the late Vernon and Mary Ellis Crawford. He was retired from the United States Air Force after 23 years of service. He was a long time member of New Hope Baptist Church where he was a deacon and taught Sunday school. He was also retired as Lt. of Guards with Security Forces at Hoechst Celanese in Earl. He loved his family, church and God, but also had a lifetime love of farming.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Sarah Anne Crawford; and sister, Betty Carter

SURVIVED: He is survived by his sons, Bruce Crawford and fiancé Vickie Jenkins and Bert Crawford and wife Kathy; daughters, Beth Hamrick and Beverly Simpson and husband Robert, all of Shelby; brother Vic Crawford and wife Johnsie of Fl; grandchildren Brad Hamrick, Bonnie Cook and husband Bryan, Melena Hope and husband Brandon, Kirsten Turner and husband Josh, Jonathan Crawford and wife Amber, Nathan Simpson and wife Anna, Nolan Simpson and wife Caroline and Nick Simpson; great grandchildren Sam, Hennessie, Aimee, Jace, Alyssa, Jackson, Grayson and River; special Aunt Johnnie Vance; nieces Mary Green and Monica Crawford; nephews David Carter, John Butler and Jeff and Victor Crawford.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

FUNERAL SERVICES: will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, October 1, 2018 at New Hope Baptist Church

OFFICIATING: Rev. Russ Bradley and Rev. Steve Waters

BURIAL: will follow the service in the church cemetery with full military honors

MEMORIALS: can be made to New Hope Baptist Church, Missions Fund 2621 Blacksburg Rd, Earl, NC 28038

FUNERAL HOME: Arrangements are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral, Cremation, & Pet Aquamation Center

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com