George Crawford

George William Crawford, 103, of Statesville, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at his home. Mr. Crawford was born Oct. 21, 1906, and was the son of the late John Clifton and Mary Niblock Crawford of the Chambersburg (Bethany) township of Iredell County. His early education was in Iredell County, graduating from Statesville High School (then D. Matt Thompson). He completed Davidson College with honors in 1929, earned his master's degree at UNC Chapel Hill and later his PhD from Ohio State University. In 1940, he was called into service during World War II and served as lieutenant colonel of infantry in the European Theater as a member of the First United States Army Headquarters. He took part in Normandy, Central European and Rhineland Campaigns, being awarded six ribbons and three campaign stars. On May 19, 1934, George married Frances Knox, of Cornelius, who died Aug. 21, 1991. They had no children but both chose to educate children. She taught first grade and he served as a professor of physics at N.C. State University, Davidson College and The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va. He retired from William and Mary and was named Professor Emeritus of Physics at that institution. He cherished the title of "Professor." In addition to enjoying teaching, he had many interests and hobbies. He was talented in wood working including marquetry and furniture making. Until he was nearly 100, he shared his knowledge of astronomy through articles and star charts published in the Statesville Record & Landmark. A lifelong Presbyterian, Professor Crawford has served his church as a deacon, elder and teacher and on many committees. Until recently, he rarely missed Sunday worship at Forest Park. He is survived by a nephew, Robert C. Crawford, and by nieces, Agnes C. Mayes and Mary Frances C. Holland, of Statesville, by Sara C. Wolfson, of Iowa City, and Betty Crawford of Smithfield. He is also survived by several great-great nieces, nephews, and the nieces and nephews of his wife, Frances Knox Crawford: Martha and Ted Archer, Carolyn & Harold Smith and Mack & Dixie Cashion, whom he adored. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brothers, Fred N. Crawford Sr., James A. Crawford and Thomas N. Crawford, and by a nephew, Fred N. Crawford Jr. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Forest Park Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Scott Jeffreys and the Rev. Tom Corbell officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the church parlor prior to the service. Active pallbearers will be great nephews: Rob Crawford, Craig Crawford, Gary Holland, Paul Addison, Boyce Cashion and Steven Mayes. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or to Forest Park Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1222, Statesville, NC 28687. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family. Special appreciation is expressed to his loyal and devoted long term caregivers for their wonderful care and to Hospice associates who have given him excellent and generous care which permitted him to remain in his beloved home.