Robert "Bobby" Ellis Crawford

Mr. Robert Ellis “Bobby” Crawford, age 85, a resident of Lakeland passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Mr. Crawford was born March 1, 1940, in Orangedale, Florida to Harold Ellis and Lillie Olivia (Mills) Crawford. He was a lifetime resident of Polk County, graduated from Auburndale High School Class of 1959 and was the proud successful Owner/Operator of Crawford Used Cars in Lakeland for 26 years. He was also a Master Electrician for 13 years. Bobby was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he was the treasurer, on the council committee and cemetery records/contact person for many years. He was a long member of the IBEW Electrical Workers Union. Bobby enjoyed his cattle, fishing, gardening, building swings, bar b ques and he also built 2 cabins in the Cherokee mountains. He loved spending time with his family and leaves behind a legacy which will go on and on. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister – Helen Grishaber. Bobby is survived by his loving and devoted family, wife of 65 years – Linda Crawford of Lakeland, Florida; son – Michael Ellis Crawford of Lakeland, Florida; 2 daughters – Carrey (Bobby) Burgner of Tampa, Florida and Robin (Rod) Freeman of Atlanta, Georgia; sister – Sue Loftin of Lakeland, Florida; 8 grandchildren – Kaleigh (Eric) Pourcia, Brock Burgner, Reese Crawford, Ellie Crawford, Lindsey Freeman, Nicolas (Sarah) Freeman, Brycn Freeman and Brody Freeman and 1 great grandson – Finn Jackson. Funeral services will be held 11am Thursday, April 3rd at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 5415 Mt. Olive Road, Polk City. Visitation will begin at 10:30am at the church. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery.