Ronald G. Crawford— a coach and mentor to hundreds, and a friend to all—died August 15, 2020, at his home in Benton, Arkansas, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76.

He founded Southland Marketing, Inc. in 1970, and was the chairman of the board and president for 46 years before retiring in 2016. Southland Marketing, Inc., a multi-million dollar sales operation with offices in Arkansas, Georgia and Missouri, eventually enabled him the opportunity to afford both time and money to help the youth of this State.

He founded the Arkansas Wings AAU basketball program in 1980 and turned it into a national power. His Southland Marketing/Arkansas Wings name is the name he gave his teams in honor of the McDonnell Douglas Wings in St. Louis. He helped more than 100 high school players reach the next level, and many have paid their respects on social media. He led teams to a combined nine national championships in the 16-under division, 17-under division and senior division. His teams finished in the top 10 at the national tournament 16 times. He was a head coach for one of three teams in the 2005 USA Basketball Men's Youth Development Festival. He served as an assistant coach to the 1995 and 1996 USA Junior National Select Team. He also worked on the committee that selected coaches and players for the Youth Development Festival from 2000-04. He is expected to be coaching Heaven's angels soon. Great coaches are gifted with an ability to unlock what is bound up in others, and of course if they themselves could explain this gift, great coaching could be learned and perhaps we'd have more of them. This gift is as obvious and basic in great coaches as other fundamental character traits. You perceive it immediately, once in their presence, a sort of magnetic effect of personality. Coaches are born, not made.

He was a devoted father, grandfather and coach. He will be remembered for his wildly entertaining stories, his powerful testimony, unfailing work ethic, his generous smile and giving heart, and his willingness and patience to help lead youth in our communities. He is preceded in death by his parents Virginia and Russell Crawford, and his grandson, Braden Crawford.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife, Linda Crawford; children Ronda Maxwell and Keith Crawford, and his seven  grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The family appreciates all of the prayers and concerns extended during this time.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation service on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. A private family graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Community Church Little Rock-Youth Ministries, 16603 Cantrell Rd, Suite 1, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72223.

May sign his online guestbook at www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com