Robert Douglas Crawford

    In Loving Memory of Robert Douglas "R.D." Crawford

 03/28/55 - 05/03/25

       The life he lived in that dash between those dates leaves a legacy of love. 

  Mr. Robert Douglas  “R.D.” Crawford, age 70, of Starke passed away peacefully at his residence on May 03, 2025 after an extended illness

  He was born March 28, 1955, in Starke, FL to Gerald and Lois (O’steen) Crawford Sr. and graduated in 1973 from Bradford High School.  It is there that he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Donna (Davis) Crawford and they shared 51 years of marriage.

  He began working at age 05 harvesting strawberries on a farm.  He continued to harvest various crops throughout his childhood.  In his teen years, he broke horses and worked in carpentry and masonry in the construction of homes and businesses.  In April of 1974, he began his career with the Department of Corrections at Florida State Prison Main Unit.  There, he promoted through the ranks to Captain.  Between ranks, he took countless classes at Lake CIty Community College and taught classes there as well.  He was Lock & Key Sergeant, a member of the CERT team, Drug Interdiction team, SWAT team, RIOT squad, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, certified EMT, certified Firefighter, assisted in writing the FDLE exam, and even fought in the Police Olympics.

  One of his favorite positions with the Department of Correction was Training Lieutenant.  He taught and trained  countless Correctional Officers and Police Officers.  During this time, while working two jobs, seven days a week  he volunteered his time to structure a free karate class 1.5 hours, 2 nights a week to anyone that wished to attend in order to give the local children something with structure and discipline, that could be fun and rewarding while occupying their time and keeping them out of trouble.  Many adults attended the class as well and it was successfully operational for 3 years, until his promotion to Captain on night shift.

  After his retirement from D.O.C. in 1999, he was home enjoying his grandchildren, but the urge to work took hold so he and his wife began to haul trailers across the country beholding the sights many times traveling alongside his brother Gerald with his wife Patty, making memories that would forever be cherished.  He then worked various supervisory positions until his permanent retirement in 2016.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf,, carpentry, gardening, watersports, martial arts, playing cards, practical jokes, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.  He was a man of good character and morals, loyalty, honesty, integrity, and always stood by his beliefs and principles.  Always willing to lend a helping hand with refusal to anything in return.  He was a leader, one that lead by example.  He began walking the halls of F.S.P. Main Unit at 19 years old, in the early ;70s, when each time you entered those gates, you never knew if you were going to make it back out with your life. Though he retired in 1999, after 25 years of dedicated service, those halls will echo his name for decades to come.

  Douglas, as his family lovingly referred to him, was preceded in death by his parents Gerald Leslie Crawford Sr. and Lois (O'steen) Crawford, his brother Gerald Leslie Crawford Jr., and his sister Linda (Crawford) Luecking.  As well as his loyal fur companion Bo (Dalmation) and spoiled brat Ruby (Daschund).

  He is survived by his wife, Donna (Davis) Crawford, son Michael P. Crawford, daughter Nicole Y, Jordan (Ty), grandsons Dalton W. Addison and Dustin L. Addison, granddaughter Macala C. Crawford, grandson Nicolas T. Jordan, sister Patricia “Trish” A. Streeter (J. Robb), brother Stanley Crawford (Mary Ann), and step-brother Gary Wallace (Debbie), as well as his fur buddy Rocky (Boxer) and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

  As per his wishes, there will be no memorial or funeral services.  Memorial donations may be made to Bradford County Animal Shelter.