William T. "Bill" Crawley

William Tracy Crawley Sr. February 15,1938 - March 16, 2026 "A life well lived." Bill Crawley, 88 years old, passed away peacefully, at home in Cornwallville, NY, on Monday, March 16, 2026. Bill held many roles in his 88 years, giving him the "titles" of Billy, Bill, Dad, Uncle Bill, Pop Pop, and "Mr Bill." Bill grew up in Bronx, NY; he attended and graduated from Mount St Michael High School. Although a "city boy," at a young age he developed a love for the country and dairy-farming (even writing his term-paper on "The Infectious Diseases of Dairy Cattle;" joking that he knew he'd get a good grade as his teacher didn't know anything about cows)! That love drove him to become a farm cadet at the age of 14, bringing him to Cornwallville, NY and to the love of his life, Ruth Henderson. Six years after meeting, he married the farmer's daughter on November 30, 1958, and together they worked to build a life centered around their faith, family, and friends. In addition to dairy-farming, Bill had many other passions and interests. He and Ruth enjoyed many nights square dancing; he had a great love for basketball, playing both in high school and on a men's league in Catskill, NY. Bill also enjoyed the thrill of canoe-racing, even building his own cedar-strip canoe in their own home! He entered many races, of which Ruth would pack the five kids into the station wagon, racing from bridge to bridge to cheer him on! Bill had a real heart for youth. This love inspired him to pursue things such as coaching Little League baseball, teaching Sunday school, leading a Christian youth group, taking camping trips with his family, nephews, and friends, and volunteering in his daughter's classroom at Cairo-Durham High school for fourteen years, sharing his life and wisdom with hundreds of students, while exploring the novel "Tuesdays with Morrie." He was a teacher to the end! Bill led by example. His life was a true testament to his faith. As a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, he lived his beliefs, teaching "gently," having a humble heart, giving people the benefit of the doubt; and consistently focusing on the positive traits he found in all. After working as a car hauler for over thirty years, Bill retired and spent time traveling around the country with Ruth. While at home, they found great satisfaction together, in watching their original family of seven, grow to become a family of over seventy! This group of over seventy includes; Ruth, his loving wife of 67 years; five children, Ruthie (Joseph), Kathleen (Raymond), Billy (Terri), Michael (Becky), and Matthew (Beatriz); sixteen grandchildren and their spouses; twenty-eight great grandchildren (and another on the way!); and two great, great grandchildren. Additionally, Bill is survived by his sister Dorothy Durso and many nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life on Friday, March 20th, 2026, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 127 Stonebridge Road, East Durham, NY. Calling hours are 12-3pm; a service will be held at 3:00 followed by interment at the Cornwallville NY cemetery, and a time of fellowship/food at Cornerstone Baptist Church. All are welcome. Condolences may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23