Earl Crawford Jr.

Lord Jesus you came to heal the brokenhearted. It is in your name Jesus that I humbly ask that you would please comfort Earl and Carol. You are their healer. Help them to take comfort in knowing that they must release their child, EJ back into your arms. Heal their broken hearts, fill them with your joy and everlasting peace. Help them to take comfort in knowing that they both did an excellent job of holding onto the angel that you entrusted them. Give them daily peace in knowing that now is the time to release him for a greater calling. In Jesus name, Amen.

On 6 Jan I learned that one of my friends since ninth grade of high school has died. I truly consider him the heart and soul that was our IB group. Witty, comical, eccentric, yet still handled himself well when he had to. "The candle that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long and your glow will be greatly missed because it light the lanterns of everyone it touched". I was glad to miss the first two days of this semester at TSU to be able to see you one last time and say to you, "Rest in Peace, Earl Crawford, Jr." ~~~ Quincy Sterling Hall, Killeen High School, Class of 2012/Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)

While I only briefly knew EJ, I want to express what he has taught me. I coached him at Extreme for a short period. The first time he came into the gym and began warming up with our class he immediately caught my attention. Not because of his tall figure, nor because he was a man in a class full of bubbly women, but because he was bold, moved lithely and everybody seemed delightfully attracted to his personality. He was easy to talk to and everyone admired him. He was an incredible tumbler and could flip right over top of me standing up. I was excited to challenge him with different tumbling passes and he enjoyed being able to combine skills and be challenged. I remember he asked me to demonstrate a pass one time and when I finished he was in awe. He was quick to feed me compliments, when it was really I who admired him and his tenacity. At his height it was incredible for him to flip as easily as he did. The sight of his bodylines and power while moving was completely mesmerizing. His stature was amazing and his smile was brilliant. In the little time we interacted, about an hour or two every week, he took the time to ask me questions and excite new creative coaching methods. In that little time he found out I was trying to move to New York and was going to start my masters. I did move to New York for a while and later moved back to Texas. Recently, he began coaching for us. I was so excited to see him in the gym again. I walked up to him and he was grinning from ear to ear. I gave him a hug and accidentally slammed my head into his stomach because I had not anticipated how gentle his embrace would be. He asked me about New York and everything else and was so tuned in to me for those few passing minutes. I was taken back that he remembered everything; that he cared enough to recall our brief conversations and store them in his brain when he could've easily dismissed them and went home forgetting his gym experience. He was an amazing kid.

It made me realize how much influence you have on someone when only spending diminutive time with him or her. It shows me that for in a short period of time you can truly affect someone. Within a single hour you can make someone feel special, needed, admired. I vow to make this my personal goal in life—not only with all of my gymnasts and children, but all people I interact with. Who knows what a single interaction can do for someone. Everyone is truly special. We often lose sight of how incredible life is because of so many influencing outside factors. Everyday interactions, unforeseen events, harsh words or gestures can all change the path people are walking. Offering a positive experience may completely change how someone is feeling inside. We are called to give our hearts to others and help them strengthen theirs. We were not made to be alone; we were made in pairs so that we may strengthen our vision relying on each other. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them,” and Ecclesiastes 4:12 professes, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” I must reach out to my gymnasts and make them feel special, beautiful and strong. I must build genuine trust with my kids so they can reach out to me with any struggles, mental blocks or outside problems. EJ made me want to talk to him about my dreams and goals. He inquired about these things and I was eager to share them. I want to emulate this with all of my kids.
The funeral referenced Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” At that moment I knew I was being called to open my arms to all of my kids. We are called to live like Jesus and reach for God, and what better way to do this than letting people come to you with their burdens so you can lighten their load. We should mimic His behavior and reach out to other humans to relieve their tribulations and inner grief. I aim to push my kids to see they are incredibly special. I vow to be better so these kids can be better.

I will always think of you. I love you earl you meant the world to me I'm so glad that we had the chance to be in each other's life's.

The Office of the Dean of Students and The University of Texas at Austin send our sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time. Earl is in our thoughts.

On behalf of all the men and women of the Prince George Police Department, I want to extend our deepest condolences for the loss of your son. If there is anything we can do to assist you during this difficult time, please contact me.

Col. E. Frankenstein
Chief of Police

Earl JR will never be forgotten! He was a fine young man. You raised a true gentleman. God Speed Earl JR......

Earl and Carol, my prayers are with you and the family. After talking to the two of you, I was strengthen with your words. May God give you both the comfort that you need now and forever. I heard it said we are about to go through something, or in the mist of something or coming out of something BUT with GOD all things are possible. Love Deborah A. Ellis

I never had the pleasure of meeting Earl but I know he was a special young man. My nephew Austin loved him dearly and always talked very fondly of him. My prayers are with your entire family. Kelly Barrow

Try to be strong during this time. Our prayers go out to you and you all are definitely in our thoughts.

May God bless you and your family in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so very sorry.

Ms. Lee, Richmond VA

Earl & Family,

When something sad like this happens you really don't have an answer for it. All you can do is hold on to the memories that you both cherished to help ease your sorrows. Its not easy losing a loved one but if you look to God for comfort He will make it a lot easier. I will keep you all in my prayers in this most difficult time. Be Blessed!

My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on the loss of your love one. No words can replace the feeling of your loss of a child. Be strong and know that God will carry you through this troubled times.

Love Craig Jackson and family