At Random: Lloyd Crawford
Published 11:40 pm Sunday, December 30, 2007
- Lloyd Crawford pushes his cart down the walkway by one of the buildings he cleans at Lomax Learning Center.
Reporter’s Note: Lloyd Crawford is a Northern transplant who has come to love the South, particularly Valdosta. Crawford can definitely recognize differences in cultures as his military experience has taken him around the world. At age 61, Crawford continues to add more experiences to his list as an educator, a singer and a regular person with an extraordinary life story.
VALDOSTA — Lloyd Smith Crawford is the son of Robert and Marie Crawford, born on Nov. 19, 1946, in Cowanda, N.Y. Crawford lived in New York for 14 years until he finished college in 1969 and entered the United States Navy. From a combination of military and educational experience emerged a life filled with varying, unique adventures.
Since retiring from the Navy in 1988 and living in Norfolk, Va., Crawford is enjoying making Valdosta his home as he cares for his mother, who has Alzheimer’s. Crawford says that moving and living in different places has definitely played a significant role in molding his life.
“Small towns seem to possess small town values — close family ties with relatives and church friends,” said Crawford as he spoke of the united nature of Valdosta. Crawford conveys that his church made him reverent, studious, and aware of society. But Crawford also says that residing “up north” has its benefits as he says the cold climate of Buffalo, N.Y. made him healthy.
Church and singing, separately and together, play a significant role in Crawford’s day-to-day life.
“I converted to Christianity at the age of 12. My first pastor in North Collins, N.Y. was so brilliant and preached from a Greek New Testament, which is also great for education,” said Crawford. “All things work together for good to those who love God.”
Crawford attends men’s Bible study at First United Methodist and Park Avenue United Methodist. Bass-voiced Crawford also performs in the Valdosta Symphony Chorus under the direction of Dr. Paul Neil. “In addition to education, you must utilize your talents. If you don’t use your given abilities, then you will lose them.” Crawford speaks from the experience of losing his singing voice after failing to sing for a year. “I have it back, so I’m belting out tunes.”
But in listening to Crawford, aside from singing in the Valdosta Symphony Chorus, being a substitute teacher, catering, performing custodial work at Pinevale Learning Center, and working in sales, Crawford’s greatest decision and achievement seems to be his military experience. “Anyone that is unsure of his or her post-high school life should enlist in the service for the initial first four years,” said Crawford. “It helps recognize strengths and weaknesses and how to succeed in life.”
During his 20 years in the Navy, Crawford worked in personnel, specializing in education and records verification. During his enlistment, Crawford was recognized as runner-up for sailor of the year in Bainbridge, Mo. in 1971. Crawford also worked as a chaplain’s assistant, office supervisor, and a records clerk, responsible for 3,500 service records.
“The military teaches you discipline and responsibility to apply physically and mentally,” said Crawford in regards to being accountable for a multitude of important documents. Crawford also said that the military is a great opportunity to travel thus expanding one’s education and culture. While in the Navy, Crawford traveled to Rome, London, Paris, Venice, Athens, Jerusalem, and within miles of the great pyramids of Egypt.
“I loved the team spirit and camaraderie that existed then in the Navy. We were not in war then, and (President Ronald) Reagan, in my view, was the greatest post World War II President. America was loved and respected throughout the world. It was a great time for building friendship nationally and internationally,” said Crawford. “If you join the military, you will have many experiences and meet all types of career opportunities.”
As far as education, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Crawford is an avid promoter of the importance of education and has worked as a substitute teacher. Crawford is a firm believer in staying in school, studying hard, and performing your best to create keys to success. Crawford enjoys archeology and history and supports and gets involved with the historic society.
“I encourage students and their parents get involved with the historic society and also attend more civic events,” said Crawford. “We also need older, retired people working in the schools to pass down traditions and southern customs and values because often, the parents are busy at work trying to make money to survive. What is unique value to Valdosta is the close family bonds in comparison to our northern brothers, which is a very good trait to be encouraged.”
The close family ties of Valdosta have been an inspiration to Crawford to get closer to his brother Mark Crawford, owner of Loch Laurel Nursery Camellias. “Family is important and I love Valdosta’s southern values,” said Crawford.
Crawford continues to emphasis perseverance, punctuality for appointments and engagements, proper phone etiquette, being a helper whenever the occasion arises, practicing physical fitness, and overall, blossoming where you are planted with a positive spirit.