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Bio
Tony B. Crawford
(Autobiography)
On a brisk summer morning, almost daylight…life awakens to a brand new day. The sound of the whippoorwill bird; the unique sounds of nature; the rustling sound of leaves, as a gentle breeze blows across the waving fields. The distinguished sounds of crickets, croaking frogs at the creek-bank, and the crowing of a rooster. Morning has broken! The blueish tint fog rising from the streams and creeks; the mountain vegetation releasing vapor thus making a smokey glaze. “SHACONAGE,” the name given by the Cherokee Indians. The Great Smokey Mountains, “Place of the Blue Smoke!” Welcome to the land where I was born, Macon County, Franklin, North Carolina!
I was born on June 12th, 1961 to proud parents: my father, Cecil Burton Crawford and mother, Ruth Nicholson Crawford. My siblings consisting of three beautiful girls, two older and one younger. They were daddy’s girls of course! I was born at Angel Community Hospital in Franklin, North Carolina. As an infant, I faced unknown pain in the legs and arms. This was in the 1960’s and thus the challenge of caring for my health grew intense as my parents searched for the answer. What seemed to be the problem was thought to be, but not diagnosed, as polio. I am so thankful for the doctors, nurses, and medical staff that cared for me. Through physical therapy, exercise, proper medicine, Prayers, love and concern of family and friends, I was blessed to be able to walk and live a full life for the Glory of God!
My Dad became a minister and began pastoring churches as well as worked in the construction field, operating heavy machinery. We moved to Springfield, VA where I went to elementary school (1st through 3rd grade). We then moved to Hiawassee, GA where my mother’s family is from. I completed elementary school (4th through 7th grade) in Hiawassee. It was there I was introduced to music in a different light, school band. In the public school system in Hiawassee, students were allowed to join the school band starting at the 4th grade. Music is such an enjoyment in life and music was part of our family enjoyment. We sang at home, we sang in church, and also while traveling in the car. Music is truly an inspiration to the Soul! Music was a Crawford family trait. My grandfather enjoyed the banjo. My grandmother played the old-time pump organ; and everyone would sing, dance, and play other instruments. This was the Crawford family fun. Some people inherit music traits and other may learn the art of music. The music teacher we had in public school in Hiawassee, GA was very talented (“Mr. G.” from 1970 through 1974). The personality, mannerisms, demeanor, of a public speaker, singer, musician, or a performer is what will captivate students, crowds, and audiences. A person needs to sing like no one is listening; dance like no one is watching; and live life to the fullest.
In 1974, my parents were wanted to move back to our home town of Franklin, North Carolina. In God’s Word (Ecclesiastes: chapter 3, verse 1): “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven.” Since a child, music had gripped my inner soul. My older sister was married, yet had taken piano lessons and played for church services and on the family piano in our home. Do boys play musical instruments? Are men supposed to play a piano? Music is for all those who achieve and learn the language of music and for those that truly enjoy listening!
In 1977, I turned 16 years old. My dad raised me to operate heavy machinery: a backhoe, a frontend loader, dump trucks, etc. In North Carolina, if you could pass the State C.D.L. (Commercial Driver License) course then you could obtain your C.D. L. license to drive a school bus at the age of 16. Yea I did! I drove a school bus my junior and senior years in high school. I tremble at the thought that I ever drove a loaded bus filled with students. Sweet 16 was the year God was pouring out His Blessings.
I also was given the opportunity to travel and sing southern gospel music every weekend with an all-male quartet: The Gospel Masters Quartet, from Bryson City, North Carolina, in summer of 1977 to fall of 1980. Our quartet consisted of a father and his two sons and myself, The Three T’s (Tim, Terry, & Tony). We so enjoyed singing together, on stage, in concert, in church, and all for the Glory of God, marriage, ministry, family, children, friends and life!
(Family is one of life’s greatest blessings. All the events from Daddy to a proud Papa “T”. All 5 grands are more than life to me. “More Gooder”).
I attended the Tabernacle Bible College in Greenville, South Carolina, from September 1981 through May 1984 and obtained a Graduate of Theology degree. During that time I also was part of a visiting ministry at nursing homes and personal care facilities. I was also employed at Wells Fargo Bank as I attended evening classes at Tabernacle Bible College. At Wells Fargo, I worked as an armored truck driver as well as messenger and money courier.
I started in the Pastorate in 1984. This was such a Blessing. What an awesome God we serve. I was experiencing being a Dad also for the very first time in life. It was a Halloween morning when my son Anthony was born. In November of 1985, I moved my young family to North East Georgia. By September 1988, my daughter, Rebecca (Daddy’s Girl) was born.
(Children are truly God’s Blessings!)
In the early 1990’s, I was introduced to the Brotherhood Quartet from Alto, GA in a community called Possum Holler! These Christian devoted men were dedicated to singing: God’s Word in song; God’s Love, Harmony and the Message of Salvation. I was honored to play the piano, harmonica, and fill in vocally when needed. (God’s Blessings!)
Working in churches gave me encouragement. It allowed me to experience:
- God’s Love
- The Teachings in the Holy Scriptures
- Salvation in Jesus
- Restoration in Christ
- Cleansing of Sins
- Forgiveness of Sins through the Precious Blood of Calvary
- Strength and Guidance through the Holy Spirit that we may have Life and have it more abundantly
In 2008, I took the C.N.A. (Certified Nursing Assistant) class from Lanier Technical College and obtained my C.N.A. license in June 12th. The month of July, 2021 marked my 14th year as a C.N.A. for D.A.V’s (Disabled Veterans).
On November 2nd 2011, I was awarded the C.N.A. of the year award in North East Georgia by CareNet, The Roselyn Carter Foundation, and Senator Lauren Baroun of the Great State of Georgia.
In October, 2011 I became a partner a family farm in North East Georgia. The love that is given by animals is truly happiness! The feeding, watering, medical care, raising, grooming, shearing and the warmth and kindness I provide to them is reciprocated beyond words. The farrier’s expertise work, all this is hinged on the family skills passed on by Gina’s parents.
(Family is a Blessing from God!)
I personally want to thank all my immediate family for the love, encouragement, concern and Prayers! To Pastor Mark and also Pastor Matt for your friendship, counseling, and Prayers. The professional recording studio, Lee Davis Studio in Maysville, GA. The professional musicians: Sterling Whiteside (Drums), Mike Hines (Guitar), Mickal C. Steel (Bass), and Lee Davis (Piano, Violin, Harmonica, Bag-Pipe, Background Vocal, High Tenor).
(If you see someone that doesn’t have a smile, give them on of yours!)
---Tony B. Crawford