Ronald Maddrey Crawley, 79, of Roanoke Rapids, NC passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020. 

Ronald was born February 14, 1941 in Halifax County, NC to the late Marion Perkins Crawley, Jr. and Evelyn Hawkins Crawley. He was also preceded in death by his brother Marion Perkins Crawley, III.  

Ronald received his master’s in Biology from Duke University and an education degree from East Carolina University. 

He retired from teaching in the Roanoke Rapids City School System. During his 30 year tenure at RRHS he shared his love of biology, horticulture and athletics with many students. 

He was frequently seen with a group of students in tow as he took his learning out of the classroom and into nature where he shared his passion for science. 

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, both around Enfield and on adventures in the western states and Canada. He also had a love for the water and enjoyed fishing on the Roanoke River, Lake Gaston and the Chesapeake Bay. 

He loved all ACC athletics and remained an avid NC State fan throughout his life. He was a friend to many and would share his stories with any who were willing to listen. Ronald loved his friends and family unconditionally and lived his life with an exuberance that is to be admired.

 He is survived by his wife, Betty Liles Crawley, who honored her husband these last years with faithful and dedicated caretaking; daughter, Gayle Monds, of Rocky Mount, and daughter Melanie Burgess, of Roanoke Rapids, and her husband Scott. A proud and loving grandfather, he is survived by his three grandchildren, Emily Merritt and her husband Taylor, of Rocky Mount; Elizabeth Kaye Burgess and Elaine Gray Burgess, of Raleigh; and a great-granddaughter Evelyn Merritt, of Rocky Mount. Ronald is also survived by a sister-in-law Betty Lou Crawley, of Clearwater, Florida; nephew Marion "Marty" Perkins Crawley IV and his wife Kristen and son Mason; nieces, Nicole Crawley and Terry Wade. Finally, his family includes many nieces, nephews, and extended family that he loved dearly. 

Due to the family's concern for the health and safety of others during this difficult time, no formal funeral services will be held. Family will hold a celebration of life with immediate family on Lake Gaston in the weeks to come. Memorials may be made to Rosemary United Methodist Church, 900 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. 

The online guest book may be signed at hockadayfs.com. 

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.