Rev. Russell L. Crawley

The Reverend Russell L. Crawley, 92, of Charles City, Va., entered peacefully into eternal rest on November 13, 2025. He was born in Charles City County on October 16, 1933, to the late James Henry Crawley and Beatrice Pollard Crawley. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Delores B. Crawley, and their sons, Kenneth and Guy Crawley, and wife, the Reverend Dr. Doris T. Crawley.

At the age of 12, he confessed Christ at Union Baptist Church, where he was baptized by The Reverend Quarles and has been a member for 80 years. He was educated in the Charles City County school system and later attended the Virginia Union University School of Theology.

Reverend Crawley began his spiritual walk as a deacon in 1972 and preached his initial sermon at Union Baptist Church in May 1976. He was ordained in October 1977 under the leadership of The Reverend Joseph Chism.  He served as pastor of Second Elam Baptist Church in Lanexa, Va., for 39 years until his retirement as pastor emeritus in 2020. He was co-founder of Revelation and Divine Ministries with his late wife, Doris Crawley. Over the years, he also proclaimed the Word of God throughout the USA, Bermuda Island and Seoul Korea. He later returned to his home church, where he served faithfully as an honorary trustee until his passing and where he affectionately was deemed “the king” for being the oldest member and oldest male in the community.  Reverend Crawley saved the original church bell twice and was instrumental in getting it hung in the cemetery on the site of the first church built in 1862.

He was a skilled welder and worked for Newport News Ship Builders and various other companies over the years, and was blessed to retire from Virginia Electric and Power Co. (VEPCO).

He was a member of The Charles City Progressive Lodge #297 for more than 50 years and served as chaplain for sheriff’s departments in Charles City and New Kent counties.

Reverend Crawley was a humble, gentle and kind man who loved the Lord and his church. His family was his pride and joy. He could always be found in his garage or garden doing some project or assisting neighbors and friends with whatever they needed. He loved the Washington Commanders, all kinds of flowers and plants, and his koi fish pond.

A dearly beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, he leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Patricia C. Jones (David), sons Cornell Crawley (Cresendo) and Nathan Crawley; a daughter-in-law, Selma Crawley; eight bonus sons and daughters; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one sister, Rhonda Wright (Harold); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, among them, one devoted, Eula Becoat, and one goddaughter, The Reverend Dr. Gail Williams.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service, 5004 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Union Baptist Church, 5801 Old Union Road, Charles City, VA. 

Interment will follow the service at the Union Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5004 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.