Bobby Joe Crawford
August 23, 1946 ~ July 28, 2026
Bobby Joe Crawford, age 79, of Palestine, Texas passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, the 28th day of July 2026. He was born in Anderson County, Texas, on the 23rd day of August 1946 to Willie Willis Crawford and Laura Hamby Crawford.
Bobby dedicated 38 years of faithful service as a firefighter with the Palestine Fire Department, a career that reflected his courage, selflessness, and commitment to helping others. Away from his work, you could find Bobby outdoors. He enjoyed spending countless hours deer hunting and fishing, where he found peace and created lasting memories with family and friends.
Above all else, Bobby deeply loved his family. His wife was the love of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. Whether sharing stories, offering a helping hand, or simply enjoying time together, his family always came first. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather whose guidance, strength, and unconditional love will be remembered forever. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
He is preceded in death by his parents Willie Willis and Laura Hamby Crawford; sister, Billene Crawford; brothers, W.A., Delbert, Ernest Crawford; and granddaughters, Cassidy Nicole and Rilyn Jo Crawford.
Bobby Crawford is survived by his wife of 56 years Sarah (Sue) Crawford; daughter, Kimberly Irene Crawford Pardo and husband Dan; sons, Bobby Ray Crawford and wife Susan, William Chad Crawford, and Barry Johnathan Crawford. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Daniel Ray Pardo, Byron James Crawford, Tyler Crawford, Ally Rae Crawford, Dylan Crawford, Nate Butler, Brianlinn Crawford, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, and sister, Melba Crawford Williams.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Bobby Crawford are to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 4th day of August 2026 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Jamie Hogan officiating the service. Interment will follow in Strongs Memorial Park.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Ken Brossett, Dean McInnis, Jeff Croft, Shannon Davis, Ben Missildine, and Roy Grumbles.
Funeral services for Bobby Joe Crawford are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I went to school with Bobby but he was 3 years older than me. After I graduated from Slocum I bought a 1969 Roadrunner. I was challenged to race someone on FM 1990. I had no clue how to race someone I ran into Bobby in town and asked him if he would race my car later that night. He said yes and won the race. It meant a lot to me for him to do that. In my later years we bought a house on Chancellor Dr just up the street from Bobby. I would always wave at him if he was outside when I drove by. We never spoke but we would wave at each other. He was always a nice guy.
I have had the privilege of knowing Bobby for many years and he was always a very respectful man and had a great sense of humor and was well mannered he will be greatly missed but all who had the honor of knowing him will always have good memories of him R.I.P. brother
Such a fine guy! Always there to help someone. Will be missed by many.
Bill-Becky Lincoln Cooksey
Bobby and I grew up together and were friends and distant cousins. We rode our bikes all over the Slocum area, and played basketball and baseball together. He was just one those good guys that I enjoyed being with. He was so proud of his family and his career. I only got to see Bobby a few times after our high school days but we just talked about old times and never miss a beat! I would say he had a great family and a great life, I send condolences and prayers to the family.
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Bobby was a good friend and always enjoyed seeing him and sharing old memories He was one of the good ones Prayers for family.
Sorry to hear about Bobby,he was a good man ,friend and cousin. He will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers for all of the family. Roger Hamby
Bobby and I were classmates from 2nd grade on and at Slocum that meant you were practically family. I was proud to be his teammate in all sports the school offered. Many great memories. Rest in peace my friend.