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Ronald W. ?Krash? Crawford Obituary

Posted: Mar 10th 2014 By: mikeiles

Oklafan Editor's Note: Ronald Crawford is the real name of wrestling manager Billy Joe Bronie.

Ronald William ?Krash? Crawford was born Feb. 15, 1957 in Joplin, Missouri. He passed away March 9, 2014 at his home in Holdenville, OK.

He was the fifth of six children born to Celia Duggins and Roy ?Shorty? Crawford. He is preceded in death by his father and a sister, Celia ?Sissy? Crawford. He is survived by his wife, Judy, and son, Ryan, both of the home. Also, surviving are his mother, Celia, a resident of Heritage Nursing Home, and 4 siblings: Roy Jr., Bob, Alice and Roger.

?Krash? lived in Holdenville most of his adult life. He married Judy Sanford on Aug. 11, 1979 in Holdenville. He had attended several churches but felt closest to the Calvary Baptist Church on South Hinckley. ?Krash? worked in many different jobs following his 3-year stint in the United States Army. He was most known for his work in journalism and broadcasting. He spent time as a disc jockey and an ad salesman for KVYL/KRAF radio in Holdenville. He also worked as a weekend DJ at KHEN AM/FM in Henryetta. He also found radio work at one of the radio stations in Ada.

His newspaper career included jobs with the Holdenville Daily News, Okemah News Leader and the Seminole Nation communications department in Wewoka. ?Krash? was known as Bill by many of his classmates at Holdenville High School. He was quick to share with them his passion for music and wrestling.

He was a successful youth wrestler in Missouri before moving to Holdenville in 1973. He continued in the sports into his adult years and wrestled in shows all over the state. He later took on the role of managing and promoted professional wrestlers. He recently attended a national wrestling conference in Texas with three active wrestlers.

?Krash? displayed incredible knowledge of wrestling was respected across the sport. He was a prolific author of newspaper columns promoting all levels of wrestling. His popular ?Inside the Ring? was a regular weekly feature in the Holdenville Daily News in the late 1980?s. He was also published in other newspapers and magazines across the country.

The Holdenville man also loved music. He wrote countless songs and played them to the delight of fans across Oklahoma. He also sang cover songs of some of the greatest groups and individuals in the business. He fronted his own band ?Krash Course? but also played with other well-established local bands. One of his favorites was Gary Epperley?s band. When Gary died of complications of Diabetes, ?Krash? launched a major campaign for collect money to fight the horrific disease. His collections were the very highest in Oklahoma, even topping those in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

?Krash? was a self-taught musician who mastered the guitar to a high level. He was also passionate about collecting guitars to play and owned 9 at the time of his death. He also collected albums and owned enough to launch his own radio station if he had so desired. His voice was also perfectly suited to sing a slow ballad or to rock in mad-man style. Crowds always knew the ?Krash? would stand and deliver during his shows. His talents have been recognized and honored in the McSwain Theater Hall of Fame in Ada.

But music was not his only talent. If there was ever a salesman, his name was Ronald William Crawford. He had a friendly, down-home charm that would have business owners signing contracts with his radio station before they realized what happened. He used that same charm as a car salesman in Ada to win ?Salesman of the Month? many, many times.
He enjoyed similar success selling home siding and windows. But his desire to get off the road and be back in Holdenville led to an end to that promising job. ?Krash? could have enjoyed major success as a performer or salesman in large cities. Even so, he rejected that option and spent the remaining years of his life in the little town he loved so much.

On Sunday, March 9, 2014, the master performer took his talents to that great theater in the sky. The family and friends he left behind will never forget a boy named Bill who grew into a man named Krash.