The Honorable Dr. Crawley was born May 19, 1942 in LaFayette, AL. Mayor Crawley was a servant leader. He commenced his career of service in public education as a teacher and coach in Marengo County, AL. In 1972 after ten years of service, he retired and joined West Point Pepperell Manufacturing Company of West Point, GA. He received numerous accolades for helping people find jobs, protecting people on the job, and encouraging people to further their career and educational goals. He lobbied for the Textile Industry before the Alabama State Legislature and the U.S. Congress from which he was instrumental in receiving $12M for Auburn University, Georgia Tech, Clemson University and N.C. State University textile engineering programs for five consecutive years. After 34 years of service, he retired as Director of Corporate Human Resources & Security. He was a member of the Alabama State University Board of Trustees for 15 years before retiring on September 30, 2012. Upon retirement, he received the highest recognition when he was named Trustee Emeritus and received an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy conferred upon by his alma mater. In 2004, he accomplished another milestone when he was elected the first African-American Mayor of the City of Lanett. As mayor, he spearheaded several large projects -- the $7.5 million restoration and reopening of the Lanett airport and the building of a Veteran's Park were among other accomplishments. Upon his death he was serving a third term as Mayor. A reservoir of goodwill, Mayor Crawley dedicated his life to helping others.
He leaves to cherish in loving memory: his wife of 50 years, Clemestine Juliette C. Crawley; two children, Deitra Phernam (David) Bryant and Oscar, Jr. (Cheryl) Crawley; three grandchildren, Zachary David-Michael Bryant, Zev Alexander Bryant and Mallory Elise Crawley; a sister, Dorothy C. Booker, North Richland Hills, TX; a brother, Ronald Crawley, Lanett, AL; two goddaughters, Rene McDaniel McMillian, Monroeville, AL and Cherroyle Webb, Montgomery, AL; three brothers-in-law, John Henry Clausell and Rayphard Clausell both of Chicago, IL and Walter S. Clausell, Pensacola, FL; five sisters-in-law, Marian Clausell, Mobile, AL, Councilmember Thelma McDaniel and Ann Clausell both of Monroeville, AL, Kate Clausell and Delores Clausell both of Chicago, IL; a devoted cousin, Johnny Walton; a special friend, Tommy Benton; and, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and individuals who he touched immensely.