Mr. Henry James "Shaft" Crawford, Sr., a son of the late Dave and Annie Wheeler Crawford, was born on July 22, 1931, in Cordesville, South Carolina. He entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, South Carolina.

Henry received his education at Cordesville Community School. He enlisted in the United States Army on February 5, 1953, and served in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the military, he was employed in several venues, including Detyens Shipyards, the International Longshoreman Association (ILA) and R. S. Rogers Heating and Plumbing.

Henry was united in Holy Matrimony to Cebell Gant on May 30, 1964. This union was blessed with eight children whom they nurtured together. His wife preceded him in death.

Henry was a member of Greater Emanuel AME Church under the leadership of Reverend Robert A. White, Sr.

Henry's hobbies included fishing and watching Westerns. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Letha (Jerry) Burns, Catherine Crawford, Henry J. (Angela) Crawford, Jr., Graylan (Annette) Crawford, Mark A. Crawford, Shirley Riley, Floyd A. (Renee) Gant and Prince E. (Pastor H. E.) Dixon; sister, Virgie Vandross; 24 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Minister Mary McNeil, Mother Jessie M. Lundy, Mother Albertha (Paul) Nesbitt, Blondell (Minister Charles) Bennett; brothers-in-law, Pastor Marion (Letha) Gant, Minister Elijah Gant, Rev. Joseph Smalls and Benjamin Gantt; special niece, Elizabeth Gillians; special nephew, Thomas Vandross; special cousin, Alonzo Collins;  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth (Lawrence) Hamilton who reared him; his two brothers, Joe and Jessie Michael Crawford; and his grandson, Chavelle Dingle.