Alvin Crawford

Alvin Smith Crawford BRENTWOOD, Tenn. Dr. Alvin Smith Crawford, most recently of Brentwood, Tenn., passed away in his sleep on Oct. 31, 2009 at Somerfield Health Care Center, where he had been a long-time resident. Born in Mount Pleasant, Tenn., on Jan. 11, 1922, to Lorena (Massey) and William Lee Crawford, he received his early education in Mount Pleasant and Columbia, then moved to Washington, D.C., and, in 1949, earned an M.D. degree from Georgetown University. He married his hometown sweetheart that same year and, in 1950, served as a medical officer in the Korean War. For two years after his discharge from the Air Force, he practiced general medicine in Mobile, Ala. Deciding to specialize in pathology, he completed a residency at Indianapolis General Hospital and was board certified in both anatomical and clinical pathology. In 1961, he was made a fellow of the American College of Clinical Pathologists. Dr. Crawford was chief pathologist and director of laboratories in Bristol Tennessee/Virginia for 27 years. During that time, the community hospital grew into a regional medical center and he served in numerous local and state offices. For a short time, he served as adjunct professor of pathology at the medical school at ETSU. After retirement in 1986, the family moved to Hilton Head Island, S.C., where for 12 years he enjoyed hosting new friends as well as visits from many old friends who had remained a part of his life. He made priceless memories for his children and grandchildren who got together often in large family gatherings, a practice that continues to this day. He loved his family, travel, tennis, dancing, oil painting, chocolate, Dixieland music, and anything played by Chet Atkins. In 1999, declining health prompted a move back to Middle Tennessee. His stroke-related dementia was relatively kind to him; it took away his mobility and most of his memory, but he remained free of pain and was able to eat favorite foods almost to the end of his life. He lived in the moment and endeared himself to his caregivers at Somerfield with his good humor and amiable smile. During his years of illness, as in his working life, he earned the respect and affection of all who knew him. He is survived by Frances, his wife of 60 years; three sons, Tom (Chris), Jeff (Lucy) and Randy (Rebekah); six grandchildren, Betsy, Walton, Thomas, Rena, Ryan and Courtney (Rick) Windham; and two great-grandchildren, Tristan and Drew Windham. A private gathering will celebrate the long and wonderful life of their "poppy" and he will be laid to rest at the columbarium at Brentwood United Methodist Church. Arrangements by, Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 9010 Church St., East, Brentwood, TN 37072 (615) 373-3040