Robert Michael Crawford

Honorable Robert Michael Crawford age 83 of Greenbrier died Saturday, February 15, 2020 at his home. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00pm. Wednesday, February 19th at Greenbrier First Baptist Church with Brother Nathan Washburn officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenbrier Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held at the Greenbrier First Baptist Church on Tuesday, from 3:00 - 8:00pm and again on Wednesday, from 10:00am until the hour of service at 1:00pm. Michael was born on December 11, 1936 to the late Robert E. and Evelyn Reeder Crawford at his home in Greenbrier. He held the position of Robertson County Judge from 1974 until 1982. Both he and his wife, Linda were members of Greenbrier First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Evilcizer Crawford of Greenbrier; son, Michael Andrew Crawford of Greenbrier; daughter, Judith Gail Crawford Meyer and husband, Dave; sister, Judith Crawford Clifton and husband James A. of Springfield; grandchildren, Izabella Marie Crawford, Kadyn E. Crawford, Sydney Gail Meyer, Julia Mae Meyer, Luke Richard Meyer, and Lyla Marie Meyer. Donations made in lieu of flowers can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, or First Baptist Church Greenbrier. Pall Bearers include Cris Clifton, Steven Clifton, Jim Duncan Williams, Sonny Jones, Jimmy Allen, Larry Evilcizer, Steve Sorrells, and Joe Donald King. Honorary Pall Bearers include Billy Bottoms, Bob Brothers, Billy Ballard, Billy Munday, Dr. Charles Mayes, Roy Apple, Jeff Walker, Larry Simmons, Members of his Sunday School Class, Deacons of First Baptist Church Greenbrier, and the GHS Class of 1954. Mr. Crawford attended Greenbrier schools and graduated from Greenbrier High School in 1954. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Tennessee Tech University in 1958. He served as manager to the mens basketball team and was part of the 1958 NCAA Tournament with the team. He started his career at the TN State Comptrollers Office as an auditor. In that position, he traveled across the state from Mountain City to Memphis working in 70+ counties. His auditing days found him in a courtroom which sparked his interest in law. He attended law school at night while working and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Nashville YMCA Night Law School in 1972. In 1974, he left the State where he had worked his way to the Director of Local Finance to start a new career adventure. In 1974, Mr. Crawford was elected Robertson County Judge and served until 1982. He had several notable accomplishments including establishing new purchasing procedures requiring the taking of bids and the investing of idle county funds. These changes resulted in increased revenue for the county. He presided over county commission meetings as part of his duties. Due to state legislature changes to the job title and duties, Mr. Crawford was the last person to serve as County Judge. The position was renamed to County Executive and then renamed in 2006 to County Mayor. Mr. Crawford served as a county commissioner where he represented his city and county for many years until 2010. He served on several committees including the Finance and Investment and Budget committees. Mr. Crawford was known for his support of the school system. He served as the City Attorney for Greenbrier and was a key contributor to Greenbriers Fourth of July Picnic tradition for many years. Once his term as County Judge ended, Mr. Crawford did not go far. In 1982, he started his private law practice across the street from the court house. He represented countless individuals over the years in domestic, civil, and criminal cases. He performed many marriage ceremonies over the years. Mr. Crawford found great joy in helping people through his forty plus years law career. He was respected by his peers and colleagues for his professionalism, intellect, and dedication. Mr. Crawford was a dedicated husband to Linda. They met at the Springfield Bowling Alley and were married on April 12, 1963. They were always together and enjoyed many outings. It was common to see them enjoying breakfast at Larrys. They are life-long residents of Greenbrier where they raised their daughter, Judith Gail, and son, Michael Andrew. Some of their memorable vacations included multiple visits to Daytona Beach; a trip out west to visit the Badlands, Yellowstone National Park, and Mount Rushmore; Hawaii; and Germany. Mr. Crawford was an avid sports fan. He was a Nashville Sounds season ticket holder, attended many TTU homecomings and TTU vs MTSU games, and was recognized by Greenbrier Athletic Association as a “GHS Football Loyal Fan”. He was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, Izabella, Kadyn, Sydney, Julia, Luke, and Lyla and loved them dearly. Mr. Crawford was a faithful servant. He was an active member of Greenbrier First Baptist Church for his entire life. He served as deacon for many years and was recognized as Deacon Emeritus in 2016. His backseat pew will leave a huge void. His Christian faith guided him throughout everything he did during his life. Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier is in charge of these arrangements. AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 2619 HIGHWAY 41 SOUTH, GREENBRIER, TN 37073 (615) 643-4000 Cemetery Greenbrier Cemetery Greenbrier Cemetery Rd Greenbrier TN 37073 US Visitation Tuesday, February 18, 2020 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Greenbrier First Baptist Church Hwy 41 South Greenbrier TN 37073 US Visitation Wednesday, February 19, 2020 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Greenbrier First Baptist Church Hwy 41 South Greenbrier TN 37073 US Funeral Service Wednesday, February 19, 2020 1:00 PM - Greenbrier First Baptist Church Hwy 41 South Greenbrier TN 37073 US Funeral HomeAustin & Bell Funeral Home Greenbrier 2619 Hwy 41 S Greenbrier TN - 37073 US 615-643-4000 615-643-4004

Robert Michael Crawford

December 11, 1936 - February 15, 2020