Harold Wilson Crawford Jr., 75, was born in South Charleston, West Virginia, and grew up in Nitro, where he was a proud Nitro Wildcat, Class of 1968. He enjoyed attending every class reunion he could, which gave him the chance to reconnect with friends across the years. He cherished staying connected to his hometown community and never forgot where he came from. Harold was outgoing, never met a stranger, and always knew how to have a good time.

He joined the United States Navy in 1970 and proudly served his country until retiring from active duty in 1997. During his military career, he and his family settled in the Charleston, South Carolina area in 1986, where he built lasting friendships and embraced all the Lowcountry had to offer. After retiring from the Navy, he continued supporting the Armed Forces as a defense contractor and later with the Department of Defense until 2013. He then fulfilled a longtime dream by moving to The Villages, Florida, where he embraced a well-earned retirement.

Athletic from a young age, Harold could often be found on a ball field, golf course, bowling alley, or basketball court—and if he wasn’t playing, he was watching. Fall was his favorite season, as it meant football. He was a loyal fan of the West Virginia University Mountaineers, the South Carolina Gamecocks, and the Cleveland Browns—teams that tested his patience but never his loyalty. He also followed his hometown teams every Friday night, the Summerville Green Wave and Nitro Wildcats. When football wasn’t available, he enjoyed NASCAR, PGA tournaments, and cheering on the Cincinnati Reds.

Harold was immensely proud of his two children, Jennifer Schall and Nick Crawford, and loved sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. He was a devoted father who made countless sacrifices to ensure they had greater opportunities. He taught them to be independent, how to care for themselves, their homes, their cars, and the importance of treating others with respect. He passed on his love of sports to his children; they will never be able to watch a sporting event again without thinking of him.

A true “man’s man,” Harold was incredibly talented and could fix almost anything or build whatever he set his mind to. He had an infectious laugh and a mischievous smile that made it clear he was enjoying life. His lifelong love of cars—especially Corvettes—was one of his defining passions; he could identify the make, model, and year of nearly any car. He served as President of the Coastal Carolina Corvette Club in Charleston, South Carolina, and participated in countless car shows over the years. He also enjoyed live music, playing guitar with friends, traveling, cruises, and a good comedy.

Harold passed away in The Villages, Florida on April 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, including his daughter, Jennifer Schall, and her husband, Jason, of Ridgeville, South Carolina; his son, Nick Crawford of Kissimmee, Florida; and his significant other, Joyce Mercer of The Villages. He is survived by his former wife of over 40 years and the devoted mother of his children, Barbara Crawford of Summerville, South Carolina; his loving brother, Bill Crawford of Winfield, West Virginia; his niece, Elizabeth Toney (Billy) of Hurricane, West Virginia; and many cousins, great-nephews, and a great-niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold W. Crawford Sr. and Virginia C. Crawford, and his former partner, Patty Strausbaugh. He will also be missed by his “grand doggies”: Ruby Schall, and Maully and Rosie Crawford.

Harold lived a full and remarkable life. Above all, he was a devoted father and father-in-law, a loving brother and uncle, a cherished partner, and a loyal friend. His presence will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

Services will be announced at a later time. In honor of Harold, stand for the National Anthem, support our troops and veterans, live each day to the fullest, and never miss a chance to tell your loved ones how you feel about them.

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.