In Loving Memory of My Friend

In loving memory

of

Michael Bruce Crawley

October 9, 1954—February 1, 2007

“Hippo” was born in Butler, Georgia to the parents of Henry Thaddeus Crawley and Mary Louise Neisler Crawley, both of whom preceded Him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sara Newsome Crawley of Gray; one sister, Mary Louise Crawley of Athens; two brothers, Colonel Charles Crawley (Susan) of Tampa and his twin, Will Crawley of Reynolds. Mike is also survived by two step-daughters, Carol (Jay) Brown of Macon and Susan (Tim) Holloway of Gray, along with 2 step-grandchildren and 1 step-great grandchild.

“Hippo” was employed by the Medical Center of Central Georgia for some 26+ years, and, as was evidenced yesterday (2/3/07) at the Memorial Service held there in his memory, his life significantly impacted almost everyone it touched during his employment.

While at the Emory Hospital, it became obvious to “Hippo” that his days on this earth were quickly coming to an end; however, it also became obvious to those of us who knew him well, that he had one last desire and we knew what it was: to return to his beloved friends at the Medical Center and bid each of them “farewell.” God graciously granted him his last request and hour after hour, doctors, nurses, technicians, secretaries, administrators, chaplains, and only God knows who else, tearfully passed by his bedside, until it was obvious that there was no one left to come. The farewells having been expressed, he knew it was time to “pack up his things” and go Home.

Today, a large crowd will gather in his beloved hometown of Reynolds, and we gather because he also significantly impacted our lives. There is, however, another side of this proverbial coin, and it is this: it was the people of this community, most of whom have long-since died, who gave Mike his roots and, yes, even his wings!

To be sure, life will go on but it will never be the same, and it will not because, well, I think you know why.