Jesse Howard Crawford, Jr., was born on May 22,1947, to the late Jesse Howard Crawford, Sr. and Mamie J. Davis Crawford in Mobile Alabama. He grew up in the Chickasaw Terrace and Whistler communities of Mobile, Alabama.
Jesse graduated from Mobile County Training School, home of the “Mighty Whippets” in 1965. Heattended Technical School in New York City and obtained his certification as a master journeyman electrician. He was skilled in carpentry, brick masonry, woodwork, painting and plumbing. Jesse was employed at Foodtown Grocery Store, International Paper Company throughout his career. Jesse also worked for himself as a skilled handyman. He built the patio deck and installed the landscape at his home.
Jesse relocated to New York City and lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Williamsburg areas of town. He worked at the Local IBEW as an electrician in the greater New York boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx and Staten Island. Jesse was not about all work and no play. When his brother Jonathan would visit, Jesse would take him to some of the best “off the beaten path” restaurants and entertainment spots in New York. Later, Jesse moved to Atlanta, Georgia for some years before relocating back to Mobile, Alabama.
Jesse was the eldest of 13 siblings; and was affectionately called Junior and “Crawfordnator”. He was especially fond of his siblings Meriel and Jonathan. Growing up at 138 Herman Avenue was an adventure. Jesse was a natural entertainer, always taking a jab to make you laugh. He loved to cook good food. He and Meriel would have party/gatherings with family and close friends. Their clan of friends included: the Figgers, Fegans, Robinsons, Browns, Johnsons, McCorveys, Morgans, Hendricks, Mays and the Seals to name a few. During these parties, Jesse would constantly “run away” his younger brothers and sisters who tried to sneak in and watch everybody.
Jesse had a close bond with his younger brother Frank. They were two peas in a pod and would talk or visit each other almost daily. Also, Jesse was aunt Inez Trenier's favorite nephew. He would charm her to get anything he wanted.
Jesse was also a stylish dresser. His favorite shops were Paulmont’s, Metzger’s, and Flagg Brothers. He was known for his Banlon sweater/shirts; and always kept his slacks dry cleaned and pressed, jeans starched, shoes shined and wore the scent of Aramis cologne. Jesse lovingly taught all of his brothers how to dress, cut grass and play basketball.
In addition to stylish dress, Jesse loved muscle cars. Jesse’s favorite was his 1969 Pontiac GTO/Judge, hunter green with camel interior. He enjoyed making the wheels squeal. Jesse was an avid bowler with his own custom bag, ball and shoes. Fishing was another past time he enjoyed.
Jesse was “Mr. Socialite” himself, with an infectious laugh and the gift of gab. From Mobile, to Brooklyn, to Atlanta, he never met a stranger. Two dearly cherished life long friendships were with his cousins, James Jonesaka “Frog” and Milton Hunteraka “Sonny”.
Jesse was married three times. First, to Wille Ruth Davis and had two daughters, Dawn and Jessica Lynn. Secondly, he was married twice to Mary Ramsey with her daughter Sheila and grandson Rashard. Also, Jesse fathered and cared for two sons; Ricky Glen Sr. and Fonte Bozeman.
Jesse Howard Crawford, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 due to complications of a stroke at USA Medical Center in Mobile, Alabama. Jesse was truly loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
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Jesse Howard Crawford, Jr. preceded in death:
Wife: Mary Ramsey Crawford; Parents: Jesse Howard, Sr. & Mamie J. Davis Crawford; Sister: Meriel Crawford Jones & James Jones, Sr.; Grandparents: Mabel Henry; Robert & Bessie Davis; Uncle: Mose Davis; Grandson: Ricky Glen, Jr.; Nephew: Brandon Crawford
Jesse Howard Crawford, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory: Daughters:
Dawn Crawford, Atlanta, GA Jessica Lynn (Paul) Barber, Newnan, GA--Sons: Ricky Glenn, Sr. & Fonte’ Bozeman, Mobile, AL; Grandchildren 14; Great-grandchildren2; Siblings: Jonathan Crawford, Mobile, AL, Elizabeth (Ronald) Watts, Sr. Mobile, AL; Maude (Blakely) Barton, Brewton, AL, Marian Reff, Whistler, AL; Gladys (Jerry) Portis, Mobile, AL; Julius (Corlleen) Crawford, Decatur, GA, Frank Crawford, Prichard, AL; Philisia Crawford, Phillip Crawford, Rhonda (John) Polanco, Stone Mountain, AL; Thomas (Jennifer) Crawford, San Diego, CA; Charles (Hanalore) Crawford, Layton, UT; Aunts: Inez Trenier & Irma Moore, Mobile,AL; --Uncles: John (Pearl) Davis, Chicago, IL; Sherman McFadden & Milton (Barbara) Wicks, Mobile, AL; Special cousins: James Jones Jr. “Frog”, and Milton Hunter “Sonny”, Mobile, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins
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