Linton Kimzey Crawford, Jr. of Cornelia, Georgia, peacefully passed away at his residence on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the age of 77, after a courageous battle with an extended illness. He was better known as “Kim” and was a lifelong resident of Habersham County, born on July 20, 1946, to his late parents, Gloria Schwager Crawford and Linton K. Crawford, Sr.
Kim’s legacy is deeply cherished by his family, who stood beside him throughout his remarkable journey of life. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sonja Martin Crawford; daughter, Derenda C. Cragg (Lorne Cragg), residing in Cornelia; son, David M. Crawford (Jeffery Baggett), residing in Fort Lauderdale, FL; grandsons, Braxton M. Pierce (Whitney R. Carder) of Cornelia, and Spencer Christian Pierce of Homer; brothers, Michael H. Crawford of Cornelia; Brian Crawford of Winder; and his sister, Sharon C. Johnson of Gainesville; in-laws, Richard and Wanda Martin of Ft. Ogelthorpe, GA.
Kim was a proud alumnus of The University of Georgia, holding both a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Juris Doctor Degree. His dedication to education was mirrored in his military service, where he served honorably in the United States Navy from November 1968 to June 1972, serving two tours to Vietnam. His commitment to his country extended further, as he served in the Navy Reserve’s Intelligence Division from 1972 to 1990, eventually retiring with the rank of Commander.
Kim’s professional life was marked by his commitment to his community. He served as a Real Estate Attorney from 1975 to 2010. He served as Attorney for Habersham Electric Membership Corporation from 1976 to 1996 and again from 2002 to 2012. He served as the Habersham County Board of Education Attorney from 1980 to 1996 and also presided as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Tallulah Falls and the City of Clarkesville during the same period. He served as Habersham County State Court Judge from 1997 to 2010. In 2010, Kim was appointed to the Superior Court of the Mountain Judicial Circuit, retiring in 2012.
Throughout his life, Kim was an active member of his community and various professional organizations. He served on the Habersham Medical Center Authority and was a proud member of the Georgia State Bar Association, the Georgia State Court Judges Association, the Habersham County Rotary Club, and the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce.
Kim’s life was defined by his unwavering faith and passion for the arts and sports. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Cornelia, where he served as a choir member, Sunday school teacher, and Deacon. Kim also enjoyed gardening, golf, and fishing, finding solace in the serenity of nature. An avid supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves, he cheered fervently for his favorite teams, instilling a love for sports in those around him.
Linton Kimzey Crawford, Jr. will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a distinguished legal professional, a dedicated public servant, and a man of deep faith and character.
Memorial Services honoring Mr. Crawford will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Dr. Nathan LaShoto and Rev. Steve Doran officiating.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the funeral home prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
