Tributes

https://www.flipsnack.com/alcbf/thurman-crayton-program/full-view.html Thurman Crayton was born to the union of Willie Etta Hill and Leon Crayton on June 11, 1937, in Garfield, Texas. He transitioned to eternal glory on July 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Throughout his life, he was fondly known as “Thump” to friends and family. Thurman accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J.H. Washington, and during the past year, he rededicated his life to Christ. Thurman attended Austin public schools and graduated from the original Anderson High School in 1955. After graduation, Thurman briefly attended college on a golf scholarship. Following his time in college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country, traveled extensively, and gained a broader view of the world. After returning to Texas, Thurman was united in matrimony to Dorothy Williams. A man of many passions, Thurman was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also mastered the games of dominoes and cards, earning bragging rights more than a few times over the years. His home was often a lively gathering place for family and friends — full of stories, laughter, and warmth. Thurman made a lasting impression as a maître d’ at both the Austin Country Club and Onion Creek Country Club, where he was widely respected for his grace, professionalism, and charisma. He retired from Onion Creek in approximately 2002, after over 40 years in the profession. Among the many highlights of his career was serving the annual Legends of Golf Tournament, where he was on a first-name basis with numerous PGA professionals. He loved recalling his interactions with Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys greats who frequented the clubs. Above all, Thurman’s proudest and most cherished role was that of a devoted father and grandfather. His children called him “Daddy,” and his grandchildren lovingly knew him as “Pawpaw.” He modeled unwavering love, strength, and generosity — and his deep commitment to family was returned to him in kind, especially in his later years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Etta Hill; his father, Leon Crayton; his sisters, Katheryn Hammond and Ruth Glasper; and his brother, Jimmie Crayton. Left to cherish his memory is a loving and grateful family and a host of relatives and friends: sons, Darrell Crayton and Dwight Crayton Sr.; daughters, Cynthia Crayton and Gloria Crayton-Witherspoon (Stephen); bonus daughter, Tiffany Crawford; grandsons, Treylin Crayton, Dwight “Eric” Crayton II, Anderson Crawford, and Franklin Crayton; granddaughters, Christen Crayton and Cherrine Mitchell; and great-grandchildren, Shekinah Crayton, Blayke Smith, and Jurmari Johnson. He also enjoyed a long and caring friendship with his former wife, Dorothy Williams Crawford.

Tributes

Thurman Crayton

June 11, 1937 - July 14, 2025