James "Neal" Crawford

James “Neal” Crawford, born May 23, 1924, passed away on March 30, 2024, at the age of 99 in New Braunfels, Texas just two months shy of his 100th birthday. He was born to Robert Lee and Nora Eva Crawford in Streetman, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Peggy Crawford, and his siblings, Eva Hood, Nolan Crawford, Newburn Crawford, Ted Crawford, Essie Cox and Erma Grantham. He is survived by his daughters, Gayla Kallus (Bill) of Spring, Texas; Carla Testa (Vincent) of New Braunfels, Texas; grandchildren Shawn Pringle (Amy) of Spring, Texas; Charlie Pringle of Spring, Texas; Valerie Shumate (James) of Spring, Texas; and James Testa of New Braunfels, Texas; twelve great-grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. Neal was an incomparable man of the finest Christian values; a devoted husband and the best father two girls could have ever wished for. His wonderful sense of humor, playful and teasing nature endeared him to everyone he met. Neal truly loved people and people loved him. He was always smiling and laughing. In 1943, Neal graduated from Corsicana High School and was promptly inducted into the U.S. Army. He served in the European Theater of Combat during World War II and participated in the Normandy Invasion and battles throughout Rhineland and Central Europe. He received the EAME Campaign Medal with three Bonze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead, the Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart, and the World War II Victory Medal. When asked about his memories of D-Day, his first thought was, “Dear God, what did I do to deserve this?” He often shared his experiences with school and church groups, emphasizing the hard-fought freedom that we should all cherish. In 2015, the country of France recognized his contributions by awarding him the French Legion of Honor Medal for helping liberate France. What a tremendous honor that was! Upon returning home to Corsicana in January of 1946, Neal married his childhood sweetheart, Peggy Roberson. They were married for 71 wonderful years before her passing in 2017. He would eventually become the first State Farm Insurance Agent in Navarro County and grew a successful business as a trusted agent of over 31 years before retiring in 1992. Many people knew him as the face of State Farm in Navarro and the surrounding counties for many years. But it wasn’t just his acumen for business that made him a success, it was his way with people. He did things quietly for others, never bragging or boasting. His impact extended far beyond policies and premiums. He operated quietly, performing acts of kindness. When a small claim fell through the cracks, he reached into his own pocket to make things right. A stolen bicycle? Neal replaced it, ensuring that a child’s joy remained intact. His actions spoke louder than words. He was a success in life! His church family was very important to him as well. He was a member of Wesley Methodist Church (formerly North Corsicana Methodist Church) all his life. He was a Lay Minister in the Methodist Church for many years and preached throughout the area. He taught adult Sunday School for decades. He truly had a servant’s heart. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Daniel Harper officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00pm to 2 p.m. immediately before the service. Interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Shawn Pringle, Charlie Pringle, James Testa, Bryce Pringle, Bob Grantham and Fred Grantham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cure SMA (www.curesma.org) 925 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, or The Methodist Children’s Home, 1111 Herring Ave., Waco, TX 76708

James "Neal" Crawford

May 23, 1924 - March 30, 2024