Bobby Joe Crawley

Bobby Joe Crawley, 82, of Pittsboro, NC, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on May 19, 1942, in Delight, AR to
Raymond and Minnie (Goodwin) Crawley. Bob was unapologetically patriotic and had a deep love for the United States of America. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving in the United States Army. His respect for his own service and for others who served was a defining characteristic of his life. From an early age, Bob had a passion for helping others. He loved reminiscing about his time working at the Children’s Home of Arkansas, often sharing stories of the children he cared for and the work he did there. This passion for service carried through his entire life.

As the founder of Crawley’s Country Cloggers, along with his beloved wife, Wanda, Bob shared his love for clogging with countless young people. Over the years, Bob and Wanda taught hundreds of children, whom they affectionately referred to as “their kids.” Bob not only taught them how to clog but instilled in them confidence, leadership skills, and—most importantly—respect.
In his retirement years, Bob dedicated his time to volunteering at the Silk Hope Ruritan Club, where he served as president for two terms and was named Ruritan of the Year in 2010. He was
also a proud member of American Legion Post 305 Snow Camp, NC.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Wanda Crawley, as well as his siblings: Windel Crawley, Austin Crawley, and Helen Molden, all of Arkansas. Bob’s family also includes his children and stepchildren: Brian Crawley (Liz) of Ward AR; Carrie Brooks (Ron) of Dover, AR; Daniel Glosson of Pittsboro, NC; Robert Glosson (Frankie) of Chapel Hill, NC; Tammy Ellis (Donald) of Pittsboro, NC; and Sammy Glosson (Lorrie) of Mooresville, NC. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Bertha Robertson.

Bob and Wanda’s journey together took them from Chattanooga, TN, where they lived for 5 years, to Spartanburg, SC, where Bob worked as Site Superintendent for Southern Wood Piedmont for 28 years. Bob’s work ethic, leadership, and dedication left a lasting impact on the company and his colleagues. Upon retiring, they made their home in Pittsboro, NC, in Wanda’s childhood home, where they spent the last 15 years building memories with family and friends.

Throughout his retirement, Bob and Wanda enjoyed traveling and camping, covering the United States from coast to coast. They loved setting out each summer, often for weeks at a time, accompanied by their loyal dachshunds, Buddy and later Dixie.

The family will host a drop-in visitation at their home, located at 3730 NC Hwy 87 N, Pittsboro, NC, from November 18-24. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Silk Hope Community Center, 4221 Silk Hope Road, Siler City, NC 27344. Further details will be shared closer to the date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Bob’s memory be made to American Legion Post 305 at 557 Old Dam Road, Liberty, NC, 27298 or to the SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan
Hospice Home of UNC Health Care, 100 Roundtree Way, Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Bob’s memory will be cherished forever by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held February 15, 2025, at the Silk Hope Community Center 4221 Silk Hope Road Siler City, NC 27344.  Time has not been determined yet.