Crawford Johnson Obituary (1946 - 2026)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Crawford Walker Johnson Jr. ("Snooky"), who entered into eternal rest on June 16, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on December 31, 1946, in Austin, Texas, to Catherine Johnson ("MeMe”) (Burditt) and Crawford Walker Johnson Sr. (“Lil Bud”), Crawford lived life his way. He proudly served in the United States Air Force before building a career with the City of Austin, where he retired as a Painting Supervisor after many years of dedicated service. If you knew Crawford, you knew he was going to speak his mind. In his younger days, he enjoyed gambling, talking a little trash, and raising more than a little hell. He loved a good challenge, never backed down from one, and somehow always had a story to go with it. As he got older, those stories became his trademark. His greatest joy was sitting around with his grandchildren—or anyone who happened to stop by—telling stories that were funny, perhaps a little exaggerated, and always entertaining. Crawford was a true OG. He could talk trash with the best of them, but if you were one of his people, you knew exactly where you stood—with family. He taught us that hard work matters, authenticity matters, and when something needed to be said, you said it. His bold spirit, confidence, practical wisdom, and unforgettable personality left an impression on everyone who knew him. Crawford, far from being a perfect man, never claimed to be. However, he loved his family, lived life on his own terms, and left us with memories that we’ll cherish and laugh about for years to come. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Johnson; his brothers, Milton "Terry" Johnson and Minister John "Johnny Boy" Johnson; and his parents, Catherine "MeMe" Johnson (Burditt) and Crawford Walker Johnson. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted life partner of 45 years, Velma Jones; his children, Crawford Walker Johnson III (Erica), Thomas Burl Johnson (Dasheinika), Jessica Perry (Dennis), Brian Burditt, and Melissa Johnson; 12 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; his siblings, Pastor Theodore Johnson, Katie Burditt, Kathy James (Pastor Leonard James), and Camera Doyle (the late Minister Robert Doyle, Sr.); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends. If you knew Crawford, chances are you've got a story to tell. Keep telling them. Laugh a little, shake your head a little, and remember the man who lived life his own way. As long as his stories are shared and his name is spoken, a part of him will always be with us. We celebrate the life of Crawford Walker Johnson Jr.—a veteran, a father, a grandfather, a storyteller, and, without question, an OG. He'll be missed, remembered, and talked about for generations to come.