Former Covington Mayor Dies At 76

Mr. James Lee “Jimmy” Crawford, age 76, of Covington, died December 15, 2020 at his residence.  He was the husband of Wanda Lee Thomas Crawford.
Mr. Crawford was born April 8, 1944 in Clifton Forge, the son of the late William Mansfield Crawford and Mary Agnes Cahoon Crawford.
 Jimmy was a lifetime resident of this community.  An outstanding photographer, Jimmy was a one of the first certified professional photographers in the state.  In 1977, he opened Crawford Photography and became a mainstay of this community by taking wonderful photographs of several generations of its citizens, activities and events.   Mr. Crawford was a member and past president of the Virginia Professional Photographer Association and was a member of the Southeastern Professional Photographer Association and Professional Photographers of America.  An active member of this community, Jimmy was a former mayor of Covington and a former member of Covington City Council.  Mr. Crawford was also a member of the Covington Retail Merchants Association, the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and the Lion’s Club.  In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, water skiing, tinkering with old cars and spending time with his family.
In addition to his loving wife of 55 years, Wanda, Mr. Crawford is survived by a daughter, Lisa Crawford Akers and husband, Jason; and two grandchildren, Austin Matthew Akers and Samuel Andrew Akers.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Crawford was preceded in death by a brother, Steven Mansfield Crawford.
A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.