David Crawford

David G. Crawford, 62, of Ninety Six, husband of Tara Gonce Crawford, passed away Friday, December 5, 2025 at Self Regional Medical Center.

Born on October 26, 1963, in Greenwood, he was a son of Jean Nabors Crawford and the late Thomas Blake Crawford, Sr. David was a devoted husband, loving father, son, and brother. A simple man with a complex heart, he was known for his incredible work ethic, his stubborn resilience, and the unshakeable love he held for his family.

David was a dedicated employee of the CPW Water Plant, where he retired after 20 years of faithful service. He was also a man of faith attending Good Hope Baptist Church. However, David's true life's work was his family. He was a hardworking provider who lived by a simple code: nothing else mattered as long as his family was okay and had everything they needed. He made sure of it.

He spoiled his wife, Tara, and his children, Kaitlyn and Payton, beyond measure. He was attentive to their happiness in big ways and small. When he saw how much Kaitlyn loved the outdoors and swimming, he put in a pool just for her. That devotion continued well into her adulthood, as he looked forward to their weekly dinners with Kaitlyn and her husband, Eric.

David was equally devoted to his son, Payton. He was his biggest fan, absolutely loving every moment he spent watching Payton play baseball. If Payton hit a home run, David was the one out there picking up the ball to keep as a treasure.

To know David was to know a man who was hard-headed, stubborn, and tough as nails. His mother often recalled that even as a child, he was rambunctious and always finding some kind of trouble to get into. That spirit stayed with him. He was so tough, in fact, that he was struck by lightning twice in his life and lived to tell the tale-proof that it took a lot to slow him down.

He fought his final illness with that same stubborn grit. Yet, beneath that tough exterior was a man with a great sense of humor who loved creating memories, especially during visits to his favorite spots in St. Augustine, Florida, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

In addition to his wife, Tara and mother, Jean, he is survived by his children, Kaitlyn Wilson (Eric) and Payton Thomas Crawford; sister, Beth Vaughn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Blake Crawford, Jr.

Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday at Good Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Lee Going officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be James Morgan, Taylor Morgan, Patrick Meyers, Matt Riddle, Kelby Clamp, and Darron Dunn.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Harley Funeral Home and Crematory.