Wallace "Wally" M. Crawford Jr.
(June 24, 1950 - January 14, 2026)
Wallace M. Crawford, born June 24, 1950, passed away on January 14, 2026 at the age of 75 in Panama City, Florida. Wallace was known for his steady presence, thoughtful voice, and lifelong love of music, storytelling, and community connection.
A proud native Texan who spent part of his formative years in the San Francisco Bay Area, Wallace carried a wide-open curiosity about people and places into everything he did. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Photojournalism with a minor in English from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce).
Wallace devoted his career to public broadcasting and service through WKGC Public Radio in Panama City, Florida. He joined WKGC on August 15, 1977, and became a familiar name to listeners through his work behind the scenes and on the air. Over the years, he served in key roles connected with Gulf Coast State College, including as a Program Associate for WKGC within the college's Marketing & Communications area.
Listeners may remember Wallace as host of beloved programs such as "Afternoon Jazz" and "Lone Star Sunday Night," where he shared music with warmth, knowledge, and a deep respect for artists and audiences alike.
Wallace is survived by his wife, Mary Crawford, his daughter Ashley (Duane) Christie, his grandchildren Olivia and Oliver Christie, brother David (Linda) Crawford, Cindy (Dan) Eckhoff, Sara (William) Waller, Malia (Jason) Ward, Crystal (Krista) Crawford and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father (Wallace M. Crawford), mother (Lorraine Gertrude Hageman) and his sister, Barbara and husband Les Harling.
A celebration of Wallace's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to charities of Public Radio.
Wallace's legacy lives on in the music he championed, the broadcasts he shaped, and the many lives he touched with kindness, dedication, and quiet excellence.
(June 24, 1950 - January 14, 2026)
Wallace M. Crawford, born June 24, 1950, passed away on January 14, 2026 at the age of 75 in Panama City, Florida. Wallace was known for his steady presence, thoughtful voice, and lifelong love of music, storytelling, and community connection.
A proud native Texan who spent part of his formative years in the San Francisco Bay Area, Wallace carried a wide-open curiosity about people and places into everything he did. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Photojournalism with a minor in English from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce).
Wallace devoted his career to public broadcasting and service through WKGC Public Radio in Panama City, Florida. He joined WKGC on August 15, 1977, and became a familiar name to listeners through his work behind the scenes and on the air. Over the years, he served in key roles connected with Gulf Coast State College, including as a Program Associate for WKGC within the college's Marketing & Communications area.
Listeners may remember Wallace as host of beloved programs such as "Afternoon Jazz" and "Lone Star Sunday Night," where he shared music with warmth, knowledge, and a deep respect for artists and audiences alike.
Wallace is survived by his wife, Mary Crawford, his daughter Ashley (Duane) Christie, his grandchildren Olivia and Oliver Christie, brother David (Linda) Crawford, Cindy (Dan) Eckhoff, Sara (William) Waller, Malia (Jason) Ward, Crystal (Krista) Crawford and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father (Wallace M. Crawford), mother (Lorraine Gertrude Hageman) and his sister, Barbara and husband Les Harling.
A celebration of Wallace's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to charities of Public Radio.
Wallace's legacy lives on in the music he championed, the broadcasts he shaped, and the many lives he touched with kindness, dedication, and quiet excellence.
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