EURE – Rev. Gilbert Manly Crawford, 85, formerly of Taylor Mill Road, Eure, and more recently of Kernersville, died Saturday, January 27, 2018 in Hospice House at High Point, where he was surrounded by his family.

Rev. Crawford was born in Brunswick County on January 28, 1932, and was the son of the late Basil Manly and Grace Williams Crawford. Having received his formal education from Carson-Newman University and Wake Forest College, following his retirement from Lowe’s, he was called to the ministry and became an ordained Baptist minister, having served as the pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church from 1999 to 2017. Prior to his pastorate he enjoyed membership in Cool Spring Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Jean Stanley Crawford; two daughters, Deborah C. McWaters and husband Carl of Fort Lawn, SC, and Pamela C. Bell and husband Richard of Niles, MI; his son, Kenneth G. Crawford and wife Freda of Kernersville; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. in Holly Springs Baptist Church and will be conducted by the Rev. Tommy Hayes. Burial will follow in Cool Spring Baptist Church Cemetery and will be conducted by the Rev. Joe McKnight.

Friends may join the family Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, and all other times at the Lawrence-Lane House, 490 Cotton Gin Road, Gates.

Memorial contributions may be made either to Holly Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 61, Cofield, NC 27922 or to Cool Spring Baptist Church, in care of Merwin Bauerle, 460 US Hwy 13 South, Eure, NC 27935.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.