In memoriam – for Charles ‘Chuck’ Crawford

For Brother Chuck

I have been blessed to meet a lot of people in the last forty five years. And although many of these people have made an impression on me , there are but a few who have made a lasting impression like Charles Crawford.

For those of you who knew Chuck I know this story will not only bring a smile to your face but will celebrate the amazing person that Chuck is.

About a day before the officers came to transport Chuck to Unit 17 here at Parchman; where he would spend the next few days leading to his execution, he stopped by my cell to talk, as we often did. We had a great conversation as we reminisced about good times , embraced the present circumstances , and reminded one another of the eternal hope and joy that awaits every believer in Christ Jesus.

As we said our goodbyes, at least for now, Chuck looked at me, and with a very serious look and tone said, “There’s something I want to give you, something near and dear to me for you to remember me by.” Without so much as a smirk, he dropped his dentures into my open hand! I Took one look and we both busted out laughing. That was Chuck!

Anyone who had the honor of knowing Chuck would agree that he had a great personality, was easy to talk to as he was a great listener. He also had a witty and, as you can tell a sometimes dry sense of humor. But when you couple this with his kindness, humility, and love for the Lord,  he was truly a blessing to anyone who knew him. I can honestly say I am a better man, a better follower of Jesus, having known him.

After Chuck and I laughed at the dentures. He looked at me again and said, “No, in all seriousness, there is something I want you to have.” He then handed me a really old Bible. His father gave him this Bible not long after he came to the Row. Knowing how meaningful this Bible was to Chuck, knowing how far he has come in his relationship with God, I understood this Bible was a big part of the man of God I now know.

I will truly miss Chuck, but I find joy in the times we shared, I find strength in the hardships we bared, and I find hope in knowing the eternity we share. Thank you my Brother, thank you my friend , I look forward to that blessed day when we will meet again.

Love,
Brother Devin