SFC William Austin "Ret." Crawley

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Sergeant First Class (Ret.) William Austin Crawley, affectionately known as "Bill" to family and close friends, entered into eternal rest at his home in Newport News, Virginia.

William was born on April 1, 1936, in South Boston, Virginia, to Irby Crawley and Bertha Oliver Crawley. He later moved to New York, where he attended Ellenville Public Schools, completing his education from elementary through high school.

In 1959, William was drafted into the United States Army, beginning what would become a distinguished 25-year military career. Through dedication, discipline, and leadership, he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). During his years of honorable service, William completed three tours in Vietnam, served overseas in Germany and Okinawa, and was assigned to multiple stateside military posts.

On October 23, 1968, William married the love of his life, Arlene, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned decades and was the foundation of a strong and loving family. From this union, William and Arlene were blessed with one son, Myron.

After retiring from the United States Army following 25 years of honorable service, William continued contributing his knowledge and experience by teaching aviation at Fort Eustis as a civilian, where he trained and mentored soldiers and aviation personnel.

Following his retirement and civilian service, William pursued his passion for working with his hands. He became a skilled carpenter and owned his own business, "Decks For You," where his craftsmanship, reliability, and pride in quality work were well known.

William enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved fishing and bowling, was an avid New York Giants fan, and especially enjoyed watching westerns on television. One of his favorite pastimes was meeting friends at Dunkin' Donuts, where fellowship and laughter were always shared. His fried fish was legendary among family and friends and always a crowd favorite.

William accepted Christ at an early age, and his faith remained central throughout his life. For over 40 years, William and his family were faithful members of First Baptist Church Denbigh, where he served actively in several ministries. He enjoyed serving in the Bread Ministry and was a dedicated usher, serving with humility and commitment until his final days.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Irby and Bertha Crawley, and his siblings, Dorothy, Sherman, Arnold, and Herman Crawley.

Left to cherish his loving memories are his devoted wife, Arlene Crawley; his son Myron Crawley (Natasha) of Newport News, Virginia; and his beloved grandchildren, Khalil and Angel, whom he adored deeply. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Marie Thomas of South Boston, Virginia, Fannie Dunaway of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Diane Russell (William) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; his sisters-in-law, Claudette Crawley of Cleveland, Ohio, Michelle Crawley of South Boston, Virginia, and Gladys Crawley of Hyattsville, Maryland; his brothers-in-law, Linwood Dunn Jr. (Dorothy) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Thomas Dunn (Joyce) of Nyack, New York, Robert Dunn (Linda) of Timberlake, North Carolina, and Willie L. Skipper of Virgilina, Virginia; his cousin Alvin Oliver (Linda) of South Boston, Virginia; his godchildren, Kirk A. Wynne (Tara) of Aurora, Colorado, Erica Wynne Tice (James) of Suffolk, Virginia, and Micah Carter of Newport News, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A service to celebrate SFC (Ret.) Crawley's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at First Baptist Church Denbigh, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment with full military honors will be held at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com