William Henry Weed Crawford III

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Crawford; and two siblings, Matt Crawford and Walter Crawford.

He grew up in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and graduated from NC State before earning his Master’s from Monmouth University. William flew F-4 Fighter Jets for the Air Force, where he was handpicked by General Chuck Yeager to be his number one pilot, the highest honor amongst pilots. He went on to serve in the NJ National Guard before finishing his military career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Virginia Air National Guard, F-105 pilot. Following his military service, William flew for Trans World Airlines as a Captain for 33 years.

He is survived by his wife, Heike Crawford; children, William H. Crawford IV (Aerin), Belle McBride (Ryan), and Jessica Richardson (John); stepchildren, Lisa Elfendahl, and Kate Elfendahl; grandchildren, Will, Emma, Grace, Carter, Jack, and Caroline; and siblings, Nancy Gray and Carol Marshburn.

A service will take place at 11:00 am on October 10, 2023 at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, 201 Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg, with interment following at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Following the graveside, a reception with light refreshments will be held at the Bruton Parish House, 331 Duke of Gloucester St.