Russell Crawford graduated with the class of 1981 at Ponca City High School after attending Garfield East Junior High. He was a proud member of the Big Blue Marching band playing the tuba. Russell also dabbled in playing the trumpet.

Russell’s greatest passion was for photography. He was the owner of his own photography business Russell’s Photography, it all started at his family home in Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1988. Russell was the very first Black Legend Professional Photographer in Ponca City, making history in his own right. He then went on to college in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and New York, New York to improve his skills in photography. His works have been highlighted in Bridal Magazines and other Publications as well.

Russell expanded his photography business all the way to Tulsa, Oklahoma, taking advantage of the big city life to expand his portfolio. He took Party Pictures, Family photos, portrait sessions, Weddings, etc. Anything his clients needed he would deliver. Russell was even honored by the IBC of Photography as the Photographer of The Year. Russell had over 36 years of experience. He was exceedingly talented in all aspects of running his photography business. He loved capturing life’s candid moments. He worked tirelessly to bring a fun and casual atmosphere to his shoots. He treated every client with the utmost respect and treated every event and photoshoot as its own unique experience. From capturing the love story of newlyweds in a single photo, to making everyone feel their best in portraits. He was amazing at what he did. Russell worked everywhere he could. Often venturing out of Tulsa for photojournalism and events. However, Russell was not a fan of driving at all. He always found someone to get him where he needed to go. Finding his own personal drivers.

Throughout his time in other parts of the state and country he always stayed in touch with his family and friends back home in Ponca City. He’d make sure to call and check in on a regular basis. Often using the same phrases each time. He’d always say Amen, and God Loves You. He loved his family and friends dearly. He often called his sister Jo Ann, but never called her JoJo like everyone else did. He was always asking her to report back on the local gossip. Always asking her to “check something out for me”. And when she’d report back, he’d always exclaim, “Lord, help folks, I thought so. It should be in the paper.” His family, friends, and classmates kept him up to date on the goings on about town. Russell always knew what was going on in Ponca City before anyone else did even when it was right under their noses.

Russell loved everyone, no matter their struggles, or where they were in life. He’d make an effort to make people laugh even when the last thing they wanted to do was smile. Russell Crawford had a heart big enough for everyone. He sought to follow the teachings of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Russell always said you couldn’t judge a book by its cover and couldn’t judge someone based on their path in the world. Anyone can preach, but what truly mattered was the living word in your heart.

Russell didn’t just love people he also had a deep love for his family. He always loved his mother’s cooking and the cakes she’d make from scratch. While living out of town he’d often request a strawberry cake from his sister Jo Ann to take back home with him to Tulsa. Anytime he was in town he’d make sure to meet up with his family. If they weren’t home, he’d meet them where they were just for a chance to say hello and tell them how much he loved them.

Russell Crawford is now back home in Ponca City, Oklahoma with his mother and other family members. You will never find another legend like Russell Crawford anywhere you go. Russell is up in heaven this very moment take portraits of Jesus, and all his Heavenly Host. When everyone he loved joins him in heaven, they will all still get their photos, and it won’t cost a dime.

Russell Crawford went to heaven to join his beloved parents, sister Eugenia Kay Crawford, his grandparents, Joseph R. Crawford and Willie (Brame) Crawford, Ike Lowe and Nettie (Jones) Lowe, his aunts, Robertha (Lowe) Vann and Audrey Mae (Crawford) Etheridge, his uncle, Delbert Crawford, Sr., and cousins Fern Crawford and Delbert Crawford, Jr.

Russell’s services will be held at Grace memorial Chapel on June 22nd, 2024, at 2pm, in their chapel. There will be a visitation the evening of June 21st from 3-7pm, also at Grace Memorial Chapel. Condolences and words for the family can be shared through our online guest registry at gracememorialchapel.net. .

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