Michael CRAWFORD

CRAWFORD, Michael Michael Clark Crawford died peacefully on Friday September 7, 2018 in a hospital near Amsterdam, Netherlands. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Betsy and his two sons, Michael and Scott. Mike will be remembered by many for his great love of life. He loved boating, cycling, traveling and spending time with loved ones. Though he left us too soon, he was fortunate enough to spend his last moments on this Earth with his best friend by his side doing what he loved. Mike was born in Oil City, PA, on January 10, 1947 to James Burton Crawford Jr and Jane White Crawford Burnett. He graduated from Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, PA and furthered his education at Duke University and University of South Carolina. Mike served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1966-72. Following his graduation from USC, Mike moved to Atlanta where he met Betsy Akers, on a a blind date set up by family friends. Mike and Betsy were blessed with two sons, four grandchildren, 47 years of marriage and a lifetime of wonderful memories. Mike enjoyed a successful career in real estate. Among the highlights: he represented Wachovia Pension Fund as they developed office park properties around the Southeast, most notably Oakbrook Parkway in Gwinnett County. Mike was instrumental in the purchase of Sugarloaf Farms from 0. Wayne Rollins in the 70's and creating the Sugarloaf exit on 185. Mike was active in his community. He was a longtime member at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, where he taught Sunday School, worked with youth groups for special outings, served as an Elder and Deacon, and served on various committees. He was an active participant in the King Biking Group and the Piedmont Driving Club Men's Exercise Group. Mike was a longtime member of the Friday Morning Men's Fellowship Leadership Ministries program. Mike is survived by his beloved wife Betsy (Elizabeth Akers Crawford); sons Michael Clark Crawford Jr. (Amy) and Scott Akers Crawford (Rosaline); grandsons: Clark Crawford and Price Crawford; granddaughters: Mary Greer Crawford and Magnolia Crawford; his sister Nancy Crawford Soteres (Jim); his brother James B. Crawford (Karen) of Charles Town, WV; his step-sisters Peggy Burnett of Greenville, SC and Sally Burnett (Tom Sweeny) of Pisqah Forest, NC; his step-brother, Jackson Wilbur Burnett Jr. (Sandra) of Balsam Preserve, NC; his sister-in-law Mary Helen Akers Abbott; his brothers-in-law: C. Scott Akers Jr., (Betsy), J. Frederick Akers (Debi) and Robert William Akers, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, September 22 at First Presbyterian Church, located at 16th and Peachtree Street, at 2:00 PM with a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to First Presbyterian Church, The Winship Cancer Institute, or The American Heart Association.