Having just learned last night of Oscar's homegoing, I express deepest condolences to Juliette and family.  Know you're in our thoughts and prayers. 

 I wish to share from my first encounters as a young lad with Oscar ( then an accomplished young adult and rising star) and family on 9th Street in Lanett where my  grandparents and his parents were neighbors and dear friends.  Oscar was a very confident and positive role model in manner, speech, dress, and yes that sporty yellow 1966 Pontiac GTO he drove that always had us boys in awe.  I fast forward to my senior year at Lanett High where as a Panther I played one of my best football games against Opelika as I scored a late touchdown that sealed a win.  Did not know he was at the game until days later he stopped me and complimented on my effort.   I reflect further on the several times in more recent years where we would run into each other at the Magic City Classic in Birmingham as arch rivals, he in ASU's black and gold and me in AAMU's maroon and white.  Regardless who won this most balanced of series, we would warmly embrace each other out of a deeper connection that first bonded on 9th Street.

Rest in Peace Your Honor, Mayor/Dr Crawley!  God bless.

Sincerely,

Douglas Bonner, Colonel (Retired), U S Army; AAMU '79; LHS '75