David Wayne Crawford

The Life of David
David Wayne Crawford was born on September 4, 1960, in Forrest City Arkansas, to Beatrice Crawford (Dortch) and the late Floyd Crawford, Jr. He was the second oldest of five. After a brief residence in Arkansas, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when David was just six.
At an early age, David gave his life to Christ and attended Crawford Road Christian Church growing up. He started playing the drums and later developed a love for the piano around age 12. It was clear that God had chosen David and anointed him with the gift of musicianship. He could make an old keyboard sound like a grand piano.
David attended Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools and graduated from John Adams High School in 1978. He went on to complete his bachelor's degree in business administration and some courses in religious studies.
David worked for the state of Ohio at the Warrensville Developmental Center for over a decade. He retired young when the building closed but continued to work with those with intellectual disabilities in some capacity throughout the rest of his life.
While he enjoyed helping others in a professional setting, above all, he enjoyed writing, singing, and playing music. He continued to develop his skills by singing and playing the piano for various groups and churches including Crawford Road Christian Church, Sanctuary Baptist Church, and Union Grove Baptist Church.
In September of 1980, at age 20, David joined the group, Leviticus, and was a lead singer and songwriter for the group. He traveled all around the U.S. and abroad to perform.
David wrote many beautiful songs, including, "Will You Be Ready," "I'm Saved," and "I Wanna Be More Like Jesus." One of his most well-known songs, "Victory Shall Be Mine," was recorded in 1984. "Victory Shall Be Mine" went on to be world-renowned, being sung by gospel choirs all over.
David loved the Lord and became a devout member of Cleveland Church of Christ Citadel of Hope Ministries in July of 1985, serving as their lead pianist and choir director for over 30 years. Outside of church, he also continued to play in various groups including the White House Band and Forecast.
David was strong-willed but had a heart of gold and a wonderful sense of humor. He was selfless, always providing a listening ear, gifting musical equipment, or helping the homeless. He was compassionate, outspoken, and had a radiant smile that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Besides playing music, David lived life through simple pleasures such as joking with friends, watching Sanford and Son, playing his guitar, and reading the bible.
David fought hard, but he transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on October 13, 2024, at the age of 64. He was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and musician.
His memory lives on with his mother, Beatrice; siblings, Steve (Renee), Robert (Elizabeth), Linda, and Michael (Raquel); three children, Andria, Da'jah, and Paige; seven grandchildren, Amari, Alijah, Printiss, Parris, Zion, Ariona, and Dayana; two great-grandchildren, Syncere and Serenity; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Although David will be sorely missed, the family finds immense comfort in knowing that David's legacy will forever live on through his music.
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