So Sorry to Hear about your Dad

Dear Jesa, Corey and Camie-

I hope that this message finds you and your families safe and well. I know that it has been a long time since we have seen each other, but my family has only learned of your father's passing in the last 24 hours (while my father was reading the Norwood School newsletter). To say that we were greatly saddened to hear this news would be a huge understatement.

Your father was a wonderful man and role model. It was a pleasure having grown up as his neighbor for so many years. I have many fond memories of your dad - playing football with us in our yards or just sitting around and talking with us on lazy summer evenings. Your father was always so giving of his time and friendship, I have no doubt that he will be greatly missed by all of you. I am sorry I could not offer my condolences sooner.

Best wishes,

Bob(by) Elliott
rjelliottjr@hotmail.com

Hugs & more hugs

I came to know the Crawford family through Corey. You see, I hired Corey at Quiksilver, but what I didn't realize is that, not only did I get a new employee ..... I got a new family. And the first time I met Charles he hugged me so hard my back cracked. Come to think of it, I don't know that I've ever shaken his hand .... it's only been hugs.
And I'm blessed. I'm blessed to have known him. I'm blessed to know and love his wife and his kids. I'm blessed to know that he loved my wife and my kids as much as his own. I'm blessed to be one of the lives that he touched. He exuded kindness, compassion, love and happiness.
And when I get up to heaven ..... he better watch out ..... cuz I'm gonna run up behind him and give him a giant hug.

Myself, Kathy, Jake and Elle offer our condolences to the Crawford family. We love you guys.

Forever family.

Nabs

From Friends in Negril, Jamaica

In our North-West corner of Jamaica, right here at Charela Inn, on the Negril beach, we have had the good fortune of meeting Charles and Nancy Crawford on several occasions.  Their obvious love for each other, their joy of life and their humanity in all their endeavours have left their imprint on us all.  The passing away of Charles has saddened us, but our memories of this great gentleman continue to enrich our lives.  It is with great love and respect that we send this message to Nancy and the Crawford family.  

From Sylvie and Daniel Grizzle, Charmaine, Sophie, Marcia, Debbie, Clive, Carolyn, Jacqueline and all the staff of Charela Inn.

charles

Charles was more than just a person I knew. He felt like a father to me. Charles was always so happy. You would always see a smile on his face. I loved that about him and will miss most about him. He loved going to the beach and going on the boat in Wilmington. I had the best time hanging out with the Charles and his family. The memories of al the dinners we shared each night at his house with Anna, Nancy, Harrison and his mother, Anne. I wish I could of known him a bit longer and learned more from him. He always made me feel good about myself. He always listened to me. He was the kind of man that I would like to be as an adult. Thank you for sharing him with me. Love, Andy

Mr. Crawford

I loved coming over to your house in high school.  Your dad was always seemed to be awaiting my arrival and would open the door and yell out my name before I got to the front step.  He always greeted me with the greatest hug and would tell me how great I was and would lead me into the family room and just talk to me.  Thinking about it now, brings the biggest smile to my face.  I remember my senior year of Lacrosse.  He was, of course, at every game.  He loved nothing more than watching you play Camie and was your greatest fan.  I remember that I didn't have the greatest season and didn't play much at all that year.  I remember always being sad after a game where I hadn't played much at all.  Your Dad always greeted me with the biggest smile and hug and would tell me how stupid the coaches were for not having played me.  He would make some funny joke. and suddenly I was laughing and no longer upset about the game.  He did it every time and I always appreciated him trying to make me feel better.  It always worked.  He was always so aware of those who were down or sad in any way and knew the perfect solution to brighten their day.  He brightened so many of mine.  I miss him.  I am so grateful for the time that I was able to spend with him; it was always a treat.  I left his memorial service with a greater desire to be a little kinder, a little happier, and it made me want to try to always see the good in every situation.  Your Dad's life and legacy made me want to be better in every way.  What a fabulous man and what a wonderful example he has been to us all.  He meant so much to so many people and we are all better for having known him.  

It was an honor to know Charles. Andy considered him to be a father figure - role model to aspire to in his life. You never know how events and people will affect you. Had Andy not dated Anna and been part of her family for three years, we would have never known Charles and his wonderful family - Anne, Corey, Jessa, Camie and Nancy. The smiles you shared. The poise and grace. The generous nature of opening up your home to those you knew. We were very sad to hear about Charles' death. I had so much hope that he could out-run his cancer and that we could see him cuddle more grandchilren, walk more dogs and greet more people in that Southern manner that was so special. You and your family are in our prayers. You know that he was loved by many and by Andy. Take care. Wyndy

For Jesa and family

Jesa,

Although Anthony and I have not known you long, we knew right away that you would be a friend to us. You are such a wonderful person, always full of energy and warmth. If you are a chip off the old block then we know your father was an astonishing person!! We just wanted to let you know know that we love you and if you ever need anything, anything at all, we are here for you. Our deepest sympathy.

Love,

Stacy and Anthony

Dear Camie,

I am so sorry.

I do know that Darcy felt so at home with your family and I know that must be true of many other people that you have welcomed into your home.

Your dad got to be a grandfather. What a gift.

love from Stevie and Rob Brinkerhoff

Dear Crawford Family,

The news about Mr. C came as a shock to me. He truly was a blessing to every life he touched. I remember pulling into the drive way one of the many days I came to visit and there came Mr. C. He was unloading groceries and before I could even take my seat belt off, he had flung open my car door and gave me a huge hug. That's the kind of person that he will always remain to me in my heart. You were always welcomed into not only his home but his life. I was very sad to hear that he'd passed and I still am. But I know in my heart that he is still looking down on everyone he loved and smiling. He's in a better place now playing with Cody :). I pray that you all are doing well and you are all missed down here in Atlanta.

Love,
Brittany Mixon

Big Chuck

The smile that lit up the room, the radiant essence, the joyful presence, that gentle voice, the constant laughter, the love that he gave abundantly to his children- Charles Crawford was truly a man of the rarest variety. He loved and laughed freely and often, to friends and strangers alike, and always with a twinkle in his eye...

My brother Christian and I once visited Corey and Chuck in Annapolis in what must have been approaching the dead of winter. And on this particular Sunday, weather aside, Chuck treated Christian, Corey and I to a harrowing boat ride atop rough, choppy seas beneath the Chesapeake Bay Bridge just for the experience. The boat jumped and reared with every angry wave we attacked, wind at our face, and I distinctly recall clutching the rails of the boat, my brother by my side, each sharing terrified looks, and glancing back to Big Chuck standing proudly at the helm, head held high, grinning...

He was an ace piano player, and ace father, an ace human being. If Chuck's presence in our lives may teach us anything, it is to love freely, laugh often, be good to one another, enjoy chocolate chip cookies, and always smile, because life is beautiful, always beautiful, after all...

-Teddy Sears

Condolences......

It was with a sad heart that I heard the news of Charles's passing. I am the contractor for the new up fit on Charles and Nancy's house. Although I have not known either of them for very long, It feels as if I've known them both for a long time. My first impression of Charles was how truly genuine he was as a person. He always had a great smile and attitude that is uncommon in today's times. It was quite sometime before I became aware that he was sick. After knowing that, I gained a renewed respect for him. His attitude of kindness and cheer never wavered in the face of his own knowledge of his sickness. He always seemed very glad and thankful for the life that he had, and, for good reason, was extremely proud of his wife and family. He was a selfless man. I feel very privileged and enriched to have met and known him. I wish that I had know him longer. He will be missed.

Jesa, Camie, Cory and the rest of the Crawford family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was such a great man and always put a smile on everyones face.. You are all so blessed to have had such a wonderful relationship with your father, I know he was so proud of each and every one of you.. I will always remember his laugh and his hugs and always being there for us as kids growing up..

I wish I could be there with you, my thoughts are with all of you.

Love,
Susan Hanna

New friends

I have met wonderful people in my design business and have had great friendships develop. When I first met Nancy and Charles over a year ago in my shop I was so taken in by their warmth and friendliness. We talked about their home in Wilmington, kayaking and their dog. Later when we started working together I could sense such a strong love surrounding them. I shared this with a number of my family members. I always look for God's presence in this world and when I met Charles I truly knew how blessed I was to be with him . Though my time was brief with him, his smile will always stay in my memory. Tina W.

Charles Crawfords southern charm was irresistible. When you were in his presence his appreciation and joy for life was contagious. He enveloped you in his warm personality and with a wink and a hug, he made you feel like one of the family.
He was so totally dedicated to his children, who were the lights of his life. And so in love with his Nancy, who added such happiness and completeness to his final years.
Charles will live on, in the loving and caring nature of his children, who he cherished so deeply.
He enriched the lives of all who knew him and the Bills family feels blessed to have had him as a dear friend.
Sherrie and Russell Bills

Losing Charles is like losing a brother. Our times in Hillsborough, N.C. where we grew up together and in Chapel Hill where we played music together left memories that time cannot erase. I remember playing "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" on the Inn's piano (Charle's father's favorite song) while his father grinned and Charles danced on a dining room table. I remember the weekend camping trips to Doc Robert's Pond and the frog gigging. When Charles came by to pick me up in his '49 Ford, my father would ask. "No booze or cigarettes or guns?" And we would answer "no" but we had all three. One night at the campsite I teasingly threw a burning twig towards Charle's cot to awaken him. Unfortunate, it struck him behind his left ear leaving a permanent tiny charcoal tattoo behind his ear. I remember the hushed beauty the morning I awoke to a fresh snowfall outside the Inn in downtown Hillsborough where Charles and I enjoyed platefulls of Annie's delicious pancakes. Charles used to pull me in a trailer behind his car while I played ragtime on the Inn's piano along the main streets of Hillsborough. We had "gigs" in a black nightclub near Hillsborough. He loved music so much that he would hitchhike 150 miles from Wingate College to UNC-Chapel Hill to play bass in our rock and roll band, The Jades. What a joy, Charles, to have spent those wonderful years with you and to have experienced the joy flowing out of your beautiful soul. I'll Miss You--Gene Nordan

God Speed CMC3

Dear Crawfords,

What an amazing man your dad and husband was. His smile lit up a room & his presence was magnificent. He will always be remembered in my memory for being such a wonderful family man, he loved you all so much. Don't forget you were the loves of his life, you brought him so much joy & he was so proud to have you all by his side!

What a lucky man he was.

God Speed - Mr. Crawford, your home.

Our thoughts are with you all, Conner & Dianne

Charles Mason Crawford III

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