Carl Ray Crawford

Carl Ray Crawford, 76, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026. He was born on November 15, 1949, in Indiana. He was the son of the late Joseph Crawford and Bessie Raye Styles Crawford.

Carl was a proud veteran who faithfully served his country during the Vietnam War in both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he dedicated more than 20 years to serving the Lynchburg community as a firefighter with the Lynchburg Fire Department. His life was marked by courage, service, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Outside of his career, Carl enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness. He had a passion for antiques and loved collecting Hot Wheels cars, interests that reflected both his appreciation for history and his fun-loving spirit. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his years of public service, and the many memories he created with those who knew and loved him.

Carl is survived by his wife, Ruth Crawford; children, Brandy (Mike), Carla (Cody), Lilly, and Violet; adopted daughter, Megan Patterson; adopted son, Jason Patterson; special nephew, Stephen Goff who was like a son; seven grandchildren, Dylan, Brandon, Ashton, Cayla, Cameron, Jordyn, and Abbey; siblings, Deborah Goff (Phillip), Cheryl Absher, Joette Crawford, and Jeff Crawford (Tina).

In addition to his parents, Carl is preceded in death by his siblings, Glenda Rose, Paula, Edward, and Paul Crawford.

A funeral service celebrating Carl’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Wayne Hudson will be officiating. Interment will follow at Virginia Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Vietnam Veterans Association, Challenged Sports, or the Lynchburg Fire Department in Carl’s memory.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.