William Alfred Crawford
February 20, 1928 - May 2, 2026

William Alfred Crawford, a retired IBM program manager, U.S. Army veteran, and devoted family man, passed away at the age of 98. Known to friends and family as "Bill," he lived a life distinguished by service, intellect, creativity, and quiet generosity.

Born on February 20, 1928, in White Plains, New York, Bill was the son of William F. Crawford and Nellie McBroom Crawford. He was raised alongside his sister, the late Rubye Crawford Hayward, in a nurturing home that valued education and achievement. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Howard University in Washington, D.C. , graduating in 1950.

That same year, he was drafted into the United States Army and was subsequently promoted first to Second Lieutenant and then to First Lieutenant. His honorable service included two years in Europe, primarily in France, before completing his military service.

Following his military career, Bill joined IBM as a technical engineer. He spent more than three decades at the company's Product Development Laboratory in Poughkeepsie, New York, contributing to IBM's innovation during a pivotal era in technology. Respected for both his technical expertise and leadership, he retired in 1987 as a program manager.

Bill was married for 50 years to the late Edna Johnson Crawford, an accomplished artist whose work is represented in major public collections. Together, they shared deep interests in art, culture, antiques, craftsmanship, and creativity.

They are survived by their son, Doug Crawford; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Crawford; and grandsons, Mason Crawford and Kyle Crawford, of whom Bill was immensely proud.

An avid collector and craftsman, Bill assembled an extensive collection of antique furniture, clocks, and artifacts. A longtime member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, he developed a passion for fine woodworking, building historically accurate reproductions of early American furniture and clocks. He was also a 50-year member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., reflecting his lifelong commitment to leadership and service.

In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed golfing and skiing, traveling to destinations including Vermont, Switzerland, and Colorado. He also maintained a keen interest in finance, actively managing investments well into retirement.

William Alfred Crawford will be remembered for his discipline, imagination, humor, and kindness. His life was defined by integrity, curiosity, and devotion to family, friends, and community. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence that continues through generations.

In keeping with Bill's wishes, a private celebration of life will be planned at a later date in his name.

If you wish to celebrate Bill's life, please contribute to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037 by becoming a member. www.nypl.org/locations/schomburg