Charles William Crawford

Charles William Crawford, 94, of Statesville, passed away Monday, October 12, 2015 at Iredell Memorial Hospital.  He was born on September 18, 1921 in Yalobusha County, Miss. to the late Joseph Leon and Alma Johnston Crawford. Mr. Crawford served his country honorably in WWII where he flew 31 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  He was once shot down behind enemy lines and hiked for four days before he reached safety.  He was a true hero.  He married Rose Wolfe Crawford on November 30, 1961, who preceded him in death on September 15, 2009.  They had almost 48 years of marriage before her passing. He was a graduate of University of Mississippi and was a retired educator having served as a Principal in Cobb County, Georgia.  He was a very dedicated husband, uncle, and great uncle who will be missed dearly. Along with his parents and wife, Rose, he was preceded in death by a niece, Laura Edmiston Bowles. Left to cherish his memory are two nephews, T. Douglas Edmiston (Dede) of Huntersville and J.L. Crawford (Margie )of Mississippi; a niece, Doris Chastain of Mississippi; grand nieces and nephews, Brittany Noelle Bowles, Blake Allen Bowles, James Douglas Edmiston, Jane Frances Ann Edmiston, and Charles William Edmiston. A graveside service with military honors provided by the Iredell County Veterans Burial Detail will be held at 2:00 PM Friday at Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Phil Tillman officiating.  The family will visit with friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.