Ralph Crawford

Ralph Madison Crawford, Jr., 93, of North Little Rock died Monday, July 16, 2018. Ralph was born April 19, 1925, to Ralph Madison Crawford, Sr. and Mabel Six Crawford in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Ralph married Rosemary Schriver and began his family with a son, Thomas Madison Crawford and a daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth Crawford.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and her husband, Louise and T. Souter, and his brother Jerry Crawford, his wife of 43 years, Rosemary, and his son, Tommy. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Glenn) McAlister, his four precious grandchildren, Rachael (Wade) McAlister Powers, Sarah (Michael) McAlister Grudnowski, Audra Marie Crawford, and Emily McAlister, and his beautiful great-granddaughter, Spencer Elizabeth Powers.
After Rosemary's passing, Ralph enlarged his family by marrying Shirley Spence Bean. They have enjoyed 23 years together along with her family, Sheryl Lallemand, Paula (T.J.) Henwood, Beverly (John) Martin, and Richard (Barbara) Bean, Jr. He dearly loved his additional grandchildren, Sara Boyce, Aaron Boyce, Donna (Randy) Little, Jane (Bill) Kavanagh, Ron (Cindy) Lallemand, Tom Lallemand, Ashley (Tom) Alberi, Nolan (Haley) Tinnell, Taylor (Alec) Martin, Hannah (William) Coy, Emily (Bryce) Fathauer, Abigail Bean, Richard Bean, III and Olivia Bean, as well as the great-grandchildren, Judson Tinnell, Granger Tinnell, and Evelyn Alberi. Ralph had a host of nieces and nephews, and he loved them all.
Ralph joined the Navy during World War II. He served in the Solomon Islands and on the USS Pollux. After the war, he returned home and rejoined the Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad family. He retired after 43 years as an electrician.
Ralph was a member of Levy Baptist Church. He was a life member of Mt. Sinai Masonic Lodge #749. His membership transferred to Sylvan Hills Lodge #754 when the two Lodges merged. He was a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Little Rock; a member of Union Chapter #2, Royal Arch Masons; Occidental Council #1, Royal and Select Masons; and Hugh de Payens Commandery #1, Knights Templar. He was a Senior DeMolay.
Ralph was a lover of life and was always up for an adventure. He loved photography, traveling, fishing, camping, gardening, oil painting, woodworking, and genealogy. He was always up on the latest technology and loved the computer age. He took up the game of golf at the age of 70 and even had two holes-in-one.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 18th, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Smith - North Little Rock Funeral Home. The celebration of life will be Thursday, July 19th at Levy Baptist Church beginning at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood.
The family wishes to thank all who have assisted in Ralph's care. We especially thank Shirley Hill who has become a very special part of the family. Ralph was blessed to have rescued his sweet little dog, Susie Q, who was his constant companion for the last six years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arkansas Hospice, Levy First Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
Online guest registry at www.SmithFamilyCares.com .