Robert LeRoy Crawford

Robert L. Crawford, 83, owner of Porter-Crawford Company-Inc., passed away Monday, August 12, 2013. Known as Bob by his friends and "Pop" by his adoring family, he began his life in Kansas City, MO on May 19, 1930. His parents, Alexander W. Crawford and Viola A. Mackey-Crawford and his only brother, Charles, are all deceased. Pop married Sylvia Wagester on August 22, 1953. Sylvia (Nana) and Bob (Pop) were married 60 years and raised six wonderful, rambunctious children together. Pop is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia; his four sons, Greg (Barbara), Kevin (Pam), Todd (Serethia) and Brad (Natalie); his two daughters, Dayna and Leslie (Lee); 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He adored his family and fought hard to stay with us through great suffering and pain. Pop put up such a terrific fight because he knew how much we all loved and needed him. His loyal wife and children were at his side when he passed away. Pop, who gave us all so much, left this world knowing that he was cherished by his family. Pop was a wonderful businessman who loved his work and took great satisfaction in a job well done. He was a general contractor for 60+ years, incorporating Porter-Crawford on his birthday, May 19, 1970. He was tenacious, hard-working and strove for excellence in everything he did. He was widely regarded in his field. Pop was also a Navy veteran who served his country in the Korean War. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart. Though he held his war years close to his chest, we knew Pop served the U.S. Navy with the same skill, diligence and pride that he dedicated to all his endeavors. He was brave and fiercely loyal to his country, his family and his friends. Pop was a larger-than-life character. He was also one of those men who are the salt of the earth. His word was his bond. He had a sharp wit, great wisdom, and keen intelligence. He cherished his family and worked hard his entire life to provide for them. He was a great father and grandfather and a wonderful father-in-law who welcomed his children's spouses into his family like they were his own. Pop was such a strong, amazing, wonderful man. His presence filled the room. It is hard to imagine our lives without our dear Pop. Our family sincerely appreciates the efforts of the doctors and nurses at Baptist Hospital for their excellent care during Pop's illness. We also appreciate all the prayers and well-wishes from friends. Please keep us in your prayers as we are going to miss our precious Pop forever. Our precious Pop will be forever missed. His presence will always be at the head of our family table. A celebration of our Pop's life will be held Friday, August 16, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Visitation with the family will be Thursday, August 15 from 6: to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Pop's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.