Lieutenant Colonel, Ret. Larry Joe Crawford

Lieutenant Colonel, Ret. Larry Joe Crawford, 86, of Raleigh, NC, formerly of Lumberton, NC passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Larry was born on May 13, 1940 to the late Cecil Harrison Crawford and Margaret Lucille Ramsey Crawford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Pat Bullock.

Although Larry’s earthly journey has come to an end, his memory will live on through the many lives he touched. His family will forever treasure the laughter, stories, precious memories, and moments they shared with him. Those memories would include the trips he and Dianne made to many parts of the world, his rewording of songs he would hear on the radio. He could be heard singing to various employees in his office. It is said the he had a voice much like George Jones. Larry had an obsession with the song, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” He loved western and Sci-Fy Movies and Shows. He was an avid reader. Many hours were spent researching his Scottish Heritage. He was proud of his heritage and wanted to learn as much as he could to share with his children and grandchildren.

Larry often boasted of winning the “Most Beautiful Baby Award” and would often remind his friends and family that ‘’The Most Beautiful Baby” married the runner up of the 1961 Miss Durham Beauty Pageant, Carrollynn Dianne Langley on August 18, 1961. Larry and Dianne celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August surrounded by family and friends.

Larry was proud of his service to his country. He joined the United States Air Force on November 2, 1962 and retired with almost 38 years of service on May 13, 2000. He held many positions while in service, but the position he was most proud of was, Master Weapon’s Controller.

Larry is survived by his wife, Carrollynn Dianne Langley Crawford; a son, Adam Crawford and wife, Tabitha; a daughter, Kelly Crawford and husband, Mike; grandchildren, Evan Wilbourne and wife, Makenzie, Mason Crawford, Reagan Crawford, Cameron Crawford, Chance Crawford, Ansley Crawford, and Chandler Crawford; great-grandchildren, Lee, Josie, and Houston; and brothers, Tommy Crawford and wife, Linda, Johnny Crawford, Bobby Crawford and wife, Tucker.

The visitation will be held from 2:30 PM until 3:30 PM on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Floyd Mortuary and Crematory, 809 E. 5th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.

The funeral service will be held at 3:30 PM on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Chapel of Floyd Mortuary and Crematory, 809 E. 5th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358 officiated by Rev. Mark Meadows. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Cemetery, 400 E. 24th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.