Michael Ray Crawley

Michael Ray Crawley, 76, of Inman, SC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 19, 2025. Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on November 05, 1948, he was the son of the late Rufus and Frances Collins Crawley.

Mr. Crawley graduated from Chapman High School in 1967, where he was named the Most Valuable Football Player. That same year, the top high school players from South Carolina were selected to play on the annual North-South Team. Mike was chosen to play tight end for his state.

Following high school graduation, he earned an Industrial Engineering Degree from Spartanburg Community College. After earning his degree, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He completed his basic training at Parris Island, graduating top in his class. Following this rigorous combat training, he enlisted to serve his country in Vietnam, rising to the rank of Corporal. Wanting to continue serving his country, he joined the National Guard as an Artillery Sergeant for 13 years following his return home from the Vietnam War.

His LOVE for the LORD was ever-present, as he spread the Gospel to others through missions. As a member of the First North Puppet Team, he was blessed to travel to California and Colorado to teach children the message of salvation via puppets. Continuing to serve the Lord, he travelled to Thailand to aid missionaries at the Global Missionary Conference. A team of church members from First North, along with the puppet ministry, held Bible School for the missionaries’ children so their parents could attend conferences. At his beloved church, First Baptist North Spartanburg, he served as a deacon.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Martin Crawley; daughter, Miranda C. Fowler (Michael) of Spartanburg; son, Martin M. Crawley (Eileen) of Inman; granddaughters, Mary Meagan, Haile; grandson, Chase; and brother, Kenneth Crawley (Brenda) of Inman.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at First Baptist North Spartanburg, 8740 Asheville Hwy, Spartanburg, SC. Following the visitation, the family will hold a memorial service at 7:00 PM with Dr. Mike Hamlet officiating. His three best friends, Robin Caldwell, Fred Foy, and John Givens, as well as his son, Martin Crawley, will be delivering eulogies.