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Tom Crawford Obituary
Crawford in May announced the end to his journalism career, leading to a steady stream of tributes and visits from politicians, power brokers and fellow reporters who bid him farewell. He died of complications from cancer, his family said Wednesday.
He is survived by his wife Lynn; stepson Lindell Todd Sellmansberger; brother Garry K. Crawford (Linda); niece Paige Crawford, and an aunt, Ruby Garrett Roberts, all of Decatur.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Office of Gift Records, Emory University, 1762 Clifton Road, NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
Read more about Tom Crawford on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Crawford
31 Entries
Rufus White
February 1, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karen Brown-Wheeler
August 4, 2018
Oh Lynn I just figured this out. I'm so very very sorry to hear of your loss. Patrick and I send our deepest condolences and lots of hugs. Will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Martha Porter Hall
July 30, 2018
Tom and Lynn are and will be dear to Van and me. We have so many great memories!
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Todd Leopold
July 23, 2018
Was so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. I knew him through Trivia at Manuel's, where he was a semi-regular and -- more importantly -- an always thoughtful and entertaining good guy. Journalism will miss him. So will anyone who treasures good storytelling and fine wit.
My condolences to his family and many, many friends.
Mary Sorrel
July 23, 2018
Tom will be missed by all who counted him as a friend and colleague. Rest in peace Tom -
July 22, 2018
Lynn-
Watching Tom launch the Georgia Report in 2001, was quite an experience. I remember selling report subscriptions as my first effort with Capitol Impact.
I enjoyed my time with Tom. He was funny and genuinely one of the nicest people I knew. Before we turned the Georgia Report completely over to him, I would enjoy stopping by his office for a chat when I was at the capitol. he always had something positive to say.
My condolences to you.
Andy Paul
Denni Coker
July 20, 2018
Lynn, and family, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Tom, a true gentleman. Although I did not know him well at BellSouth, I always found him kind, friendly, and intelligent. May he RIP.
Sam Hall
July 20, 2018
I'm saddened to learn of the death of my friend, Tom, and want to give my condolences to his family.
Tom and I talked often over a two-decade period, as I worked as the communications director for a state agency. Tom was always a truly professional journalist, honest, trustworthy, and a pleasure to work with. I never had to worry about whether his reports would be correct, fair and balanced. I learned very early on that they always would be.
Tom leaves a legacy of excellence in journalism. The news media industry would be much better if all who choose it as a career would strive to be of the caliber of Tom Crawford.
Penny Murphy
July 20, 2018
There are no words to express the loss and sadness of losing such a brilliant writer/journalist whose life's work was smithing the perfect words. Your life and spirit will live on through the inspiration you gave to so many. We go way back, but you kept your printer's ink flowing while some of us let it run dry. Your amazingly clear and factual summations of life under the Dome will never be equaled. Your wit and perfect sarcasm can't be duplicated. Somewhere, my friend, I know you are pecking out a column or story or speech. You are not gone just turned the page. Comfort to you, Lynn. He was an original and adored you.
Susan Yawn
July 20, 2018
I am saddened to learn of Tom's passing. He was a friend and colleague of mine at Bellsouth International. I remember his intelligence and great sense of humor. My condolences to Lynn and family.
Rich Martin
July 19, 2018
Tom and I worked together a long time ago at the Marietta Daily Journal, and we reconnected over the past few years through Facebook. He was a great reporter then, and, as all the tributes to him attest, until the end. Margaret and I send our sympathies. We wish we could have met again in real time.
Ann Mintz
July 19, 2018
Tom was a wonderful reporter and human being! Sympathies to his family and to all those who counted him a friend.
July 19, 2018
God blessed us, Tom, by giving us you for as long as we had you. Your steady hand, your sharp eye, your wit, wisdom and ground-truth experience was our beacon. And our fun. We know we can't replace you, but we will try our best to nurture those who follow in your path.
Bob Hurt
July 19, 2018
Such a loss for Georgia, for journalism, and for smart accurate coverage of the news. He was such a great guy and will be profoundly missed.
Grace Fagan
July 19, 2018
Tom was a dear friend for may years, a talented writer and a great political sparing partner.I will miss him.
Rob Rivers
Jane Read
July 19, 2018
So very sorry to read of Tom's passing and send sincere condolences from us both. John and Jane Read
Michele Henson
July 18, 2018
Tom was first and foremost my friend. I always looked forward to seeing him on Tuesday nights at Manuels. And if I got there early enough I had the opportunity to discuss the legislature and other local news. He was a gentleman and always knew the answers to my questions. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his Lynn and his family.
July 18, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during these painful times.
Meredith Weaver
July 18, 2018
My condolences and prayers to his family. He was a gentleman.
Ric Latarski
July 18, 2018
Sorry to hear of the passing of a terrific guy and great journalist. As one of the ne'er-do-wells who enjoyed his humor and insight at Manuel's he will be missed. My condolences to all his family.
Bob Henrdon
July 18, 2018
Tom was a great guy to talk politcs with , always available and willing to listen to diverse opinions. He will be missed
Cathey Steinberg
July 18, 2018
Tom was so special! Even though he covered the legislature, he somehow never offended any one of us. Such a loss of a dedicated, smart and sweet man.
Joy Salenfriend
July 18, 2018
So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. He was a fellow Grady Gray Knight and I was hoping to see him at another reunion. I enjoyed reading his articles, and loved his insight into local and national events. He will be missed.
Barbara Morgan
July 18, 2018
When I was a reporter and columnist at the State Capitol 1980-82, and then while I was News Secretary to then-Gov. Joe Frank Harris (1983-1990), Tom Crawford was the consummate professional. He was piercing in his questioning and brooked no fools. He wrote many, many important stories. His byline was a must-read. An early end to his life of integrity is a very sad thing. He served the journalism profession admirably, and he was feared and admired by office-holders.
Andy Freeman
July 18, 2018
I'll miss your humor and our discussions. God Speed, Tom.
Stephen Grilli
July 18, 2018
Tom was first and foremost a friend. He also was a teammate on the softball field; a band mate in our not-ready-for-the-garage group; a fellow interlocuter in our book club; and someone who never failed to elicit both a laugh and a thought, sometimes simultaneously. We are all diminished by his loss. Love to Lynn and his wide family of friends and relatives. His memory will be cherished.
Gita Smith
July 18, 2018
Even though we knew this day was coming, it is a hard blow. Over the past five years and behind the scenes, Tom was a special source of help to me after my husband was diagnosed with stage III melanoma.He generously shared his experiences and knowledge of treatment options, and he offered words of comfort, too. Many will talk about Tom's mind and gift with words. I want to add these words about his loving spirit.
July 18, 2018
Tom was not only a great journalist, he was an all-time good guy. What a loss.
John Futch,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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