In Memory of
John Stephen
Crawford Jr.
Crawford Jr.
1962 - 2016
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Obituary for John Stephen Crawford Jr.
John Stephen Crawford, Jr, age 54, was called home on Saturday, March 26th, 2016 after thriving with ALS for over 2 ½ years. He was a man who had placed his hope in Jesus and understood the peace that passes all understanding, something his bright eyes and smile shared everywhere he went.
John was born to John Stephen Crawford, Sr. and the late Suzanne Shepherd Crawford, in Wilmette Illinois, on February 16, 1962. As a child, he liked to play outside with friends and sail with his dad. After receiving an Associate’s Degree in Hotel Management in 1984 and working in that field for 12 years, he decided to switch careers in order to compliment his passion for animals. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from Central Carolina Community College and enjoyed almost 20 years of caring for animals at various hospitals across North Carolina, spending almost 16 years at Brevard Animal Hospital.
In 2004, Heather Gollnick began working at Brevard Animal Hospital with John. The two eloped on March 12, 2009, taking with them only Heather’s son Erik, whom John loved and treated as his own. Later that year, with great joy and pride, John held their newborn son Jason. He taught the boys how to ride their bikes and lovingly guided them in woodworking projects, another passion of his. He often served the church by building items for the children’s ministry and was an active leader in Erik’s Cub Scout Pack for four years. In January of 2014, John was diagnosed with ALS. Shortly after, he fully surrendered his life to Jesus and was baptized on Easter Sunday that year. His dedication to God became evident, not only through his smile and the obvious peace in his heart, but also through his vocal praises of God’s blessings and faithfulness, something his inability to speak couldn’t stop. When he could no longer be understood, he shared his testimony and love for God with others through the use of an eye gaze speech device.
John loved unconditionally and set a great example as a Godly man and the spiritual leader of his home. He showed others that joy is not determined by circumstances, but by a willingness to trust the One who is Lord over it. This strength, which he would say was not his own, also inspired many in the community. His prayer was that God would use him to show others His great love for them as well.
John is survived by his wife, Heather; his sons Erik and Jason; his father and stepmother J. Stephen and Lyn Crawford of Fort Myers, FL; his sisters Corby Kilmer of San Luis Obispo, CA, Stephanie Love of Saluda, NC and Alex Delgadillo of Fort Myers, FL; his niece Ashley Taylor of San Francisco, CA. Heather's family were special to John as well. Lynn and Ralph Peters and Adam Peters of Lake Toxaway, NC, and Joy and Mark Gollnick and Leah Wood of Sarasota, FL. He is preceded in death by his mother, Suzanne Crawford.
Everyone is invited to celebrate John’s life with us on Sunday, April 3rd at 2pm at Brevard Community Church. There will be light refreshments and time to visit with the family afterwards. Pastor Todd Alewine will officiate the service. There will also be a drop in time for fellowship and food at the Crawfords’ home on Friday, April 1st from 4-8pm. The address is 490 Emerald Hills Drive, Pisgah Forest. If you would like, please bring a small snack and a story to share of how John touched your life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help with future family expenses and college funds for each of the boys. Donations can be made at Self Help Credit Union or online at posthope.org/john-crawford/donations.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.
John was born to John Stephen Crawford, Sr. and the late Suzanne Shepherd Crawford, in Wilmette Illinois, on February 16, 1962. As a child, he liked to play outside with friends and sail with his dad. After receiving an Associate’s Degree in Hotel Management in 1984 and working in that field for 12 years, he decided to switch careers in order to compliment his passion for animals. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from Central Carolina Community College and enjoyed almost 20 years of caring for animals at various hospitals across North Carolina, spending almost 16 years at Brevard Animal Hospital.
In 2004, Heather Gollnick began working at Brevard Animal Hospital with John. The two eloped on March 12, 2009, taking with them only Heather’s son Erik, whom John loved and treated as his own. Later that year, with great joy and pride, John held their newborn son Jason. He taught the boys how to ride their bikes and lovingly guided them in woodworking projects, another passion of his. He often served the church by building items for the children’s ministry and was an active leader in Erik’s Cub Scout Pack for four years. In January of 2014, John was diagnosed with ALS. Shortly after, he fully surrendered his life to Jesus and was baptized on Easter Sunday that year. His dedication to God became evident, not only through his smile and the obvious peace in his heart, but also through his vocal praises of God’s blessings and faithfulness, something his inability to speak couldn’t stop. When he could no longer be understood, he shared his testimony and love for God with others through the use of an eye gaze speech device.
John loved unconditionally and set a great example as a Godly man and the spiritual leader of his home. He showed others that joy is not determined by circumstances, but by a willingness to trust the One who is Lord over it. This strength, which he would say was not his own, also inspired many in the community. His prayer was that God would use him to show others His great love for them as well.
John is survived by his wife, Heather; his sons Erik and Jason; his father and stepmother J. Stephen and Lyn Crawford of Fort Myers, FL; his sisters Corby Kilmer of San Luis Obispo, CA, Stephanie Love of Saluda, NC and Alex Delgadillo of Fort Myers, FL; his niece Ashley Taylor of San Francisco, CA. Heather's family were special to John as well. Lynn and Ralph Peters and Adam Peters of Lake Toxaway, NC, and Joy and Mark Gollnick and Leah Wood of Sarasota, FL. He is preceded in death by his mother, Suzanne Crawford.
Everyone is invited to celebrate John’s life with us on Sunday, April 3rd at 2pm at Brevard Community Church. There will be light refreshments and time to visit with the family afterwards. Pastor Todd Alewine will officiate the service. There will also be a drop in time for fellowship and food at the Crawfords’ home on Friday, April 1st from 4-8pm. The address is 490 Emerald Hills Drive, Pisgah Forest. If you would like, please bring a small snack and a story to share of how John touched your life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help with future family expenses and college funds for each of the boys. Donations can be made at Self Help Credit Union or online at posthope.org/john-crawford/donations.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.
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