James Ronald (Ron) Crawford died in his home in Madison June 4, 2020.  He was 74 years old.

A graveside service will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Conehatta, MS.  Dr. David Rives will officiate.  Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements (601) 635-3200.

Mr. Crawford is survived by his wife of 55 years, Brenda Leach Crawford; daughter, Shelly Cook (husband, John); granddaughter, Rayne Jensen; grandson, Jack Segalini, all of Madison; and sister, Shelia Mosser of Killeen, Texas.

He was born in Newton County, Mississippi, July 14, 1945, to William Rome and Bobbie Reeves Crawford.  He graduated from Killeen High School, Killeen, Texas, East Central Junior College, the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi College completing all course work for a Ph.D.  He was an Army veteran and served his country in South Korea during the Vietnam era.

In the late 1970's, Mr. Crawford worked with small-town initiatives to bring health care to rural areas in Mississippi.  Through grants he secured both State and Federal funding to hire and train twelve registered nurses to become the first nurse practitioners in the State.

Mr. Crawford was a member of First Baptist Church, Newton.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather ("Grand" to Rayne and Jack).  He enjoyed the camaraderie of golf at the Newton Country Club for many years.  He had an exceptionally keen, analytical mind and his advice was often sought after by both family and friends.  With his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, and his gift for telling jokes and stories, he left a smile on the face of everyone he met.