Nathaniel Crawford was born to the late Herman and Iona Crawford on February 17, 1935 in Beckville, Texas. The family later moved to Marshall, Texas where he was raised.

At an early age, he was united with Union Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas and later attended Mt. Zion Spiritual Church #2.

Nathaniel attended and graduated from the Marshall Public Schools. He attended the General Motors training school and became a certified mechanic. He worked at Nehls Chevrolet, Lewis Motor Company, Auto. 59 and in his own shop building engines, rebuilding transmissions until he retired. He also worked for International Paper Company, and he cut and transported pulpwood.

Nathaniel departed this life on January 3, 2022 at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center in Marshall, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Iona Crawford, his brothers, John Lee Crawford and Joe T, Crawford and his son, Nathan Crawford.

He leaves to cherish his memory three children, two sons, Kervin (Reese) Crawford and Ricky Crawford of Marshall, Texas; one daughter, Elaine Crawford of Marshall, Texas; he raised grandson, Kervin Crawford, Jr. and great grandson, Kervon Crawford as his children also; one brother, Glasier (Dorothy) Crawford of Houston, Texas, three sisters, Nettie Robinson of Huntsville, Texas, Betty Marsden, and Lilly Matthews of California; two nephews, Danny (Diane) Crawford of Marshall, Texas and Wayne Robinson and wife of Houston, Texas, (5) granddaughters, (2) grandsons; (3) nieces and a host of great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.