Anthony Lee "Tony" Crawford, Jr.

1998 - 2025

Mr. Anthony “Tony” Lee Crawford, Jr., 27, departed this life to be with the Lord on November 22, 2025. He was born on August 17, 1998, in Chesterfield, Virginia to Valerie Crawford of Chesterfield, VA and Anthony Crawford, Sr. of South Chesterfield, Virginia.

Tony grew up in Chesterfield, where he was a member of Higher Way Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Darren L. Gay, Sr. He was known for his kind heart, warm smile, and the way he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He loved his family deeply and carried himself with a quiet strength and a gentle spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Tony attended Chesterfield County Schools but graduated from Dinwiddie High School in 2017. In addition to being a scholar, Tony participated in many athletic activities. He was also known for his uplifting energy, loyalty to his friends, and his ability to make anyone feel seen. He went on to work at the Coca-Cola Plant, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and dependable nature.

Tony’s love for his community exhibited one of his greatest attributes: being a youth football coach. He served as Head Coach for the 6U Black Knights of Chesterfield, pouring his heart into every young player he mentored. He believed in building character, encouraging teamwork, and showing children the kindness and patience he lived by every day. Tony’s passion for the game of football ran deep. He was a dedicated New York Giants fan who never missed a chance to cheer on his team.

He preceded in death his maternal grandmother, Barbara Diggs Waller; paternal grandparents, Charles Crawford, Sr. and Mildred Crawford; great grandparents, William Diggs III and Bernice Maxine Diggs; and his brother, Jakeim Clanton.

He leaves to cherish his memory: two children, his son, Zaeyon Gholson, and his daughter, Emmarie Crawford; his parents, Valerie Crawford and Anthony Crawford, Sr. (Regina); sisters, Mikeia Diggs, Tonajah Crawford and Ciara Thomas (Marquise); brothers, Montonio Flowers, Sr. and Jareim Clanton; god-brother, Ronald “Tre” Tyree, Jr.; god-sisters, AkilahWalker and Kiara Lawrence; the love of his life, Domonic Pettis; nieces and nephews, MiYanna Taylor, ShyVari Harris, Mikell Taylor, Jamahd Thomas, Janiyah Thomas, Manasia Flowers, Montonio Flowers, Jr., Zykei Flowers, and KyRee Flowers; aunts, Cheryl Diggs, Iesha Waller, Latresha Waller-Lovick (Antoine), Judy Moore (Lewis), Betty Satterwhite, Gwendolyn Hunt, Sharon Crawford, and Angela Crawford; uncles, Brian Waller (Retea), Wayne Crawford (Jamisa), Kenneth Crawford (Billie), and L’lewllyn Crawford; and a host of cousins and devoted friends, amongst them Lance Daulton (Christina), Kajuan “Snap” Hayes, Tariq “Riqq” Walker, Ray “Ray Ray’ Mason, Malik Barnes, and Quanta “Q” Finney; and last, but certainly not least, his loyal, devoted, 4-legged best friend, Leo.

As we walk through this moment of grief, hold tightly to the comfort of God’s promises and the hope that we will meet again. His life may have ended suddenly, but his love and legacy will continue to shine. 

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 5, 2025, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor, Bishop Darren L. Gay, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

There will be no public viewing for Anthony Crawford, Jr.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.