Ralph Crawley planned his usual Tuesday schedule to attend his Mauldin Rotary Club Lunch Meeting. Once the agenda of sharing the Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer was completed; the District Governor, Carol Burdette, came forward to begin a surprise presentation.
Ralph Crawley was presented the Charter Membership Award for 39 years as a VERY Active Member of the Mauldin Rotary Club! Ralph was there in the beginning days 38 years ago and has been a true Leader and inspiration to so many through the years.
Ralph has served as Rotary President and in many other leadership capacities. He was instrumental in the first fundraising efforts for the club by organizing the annual BBQ in the Fall for many, many years. He organized the meat prep and purchased cookers and the folks to man the cookers “all night” in order to meet the demands for orders they received. This finally became so labor intensive; the BBQ was discontinued in early 2000’s! Even when the cookers were sold; the money was put back into the find raising efforts.
Thousands and thousands of dollars were raised to fund scholarships for MHS students; and water wells in other countries; restore the room we currently occupy in the Mauldin Cultural Center for the Rotary Weekly Meetings, and so much more.
Ralph has always been active in the Mauldin Community! He participated on the Library Committee to bring the new Library to Mauldin located on Mauldin Road.
He was co-owner of Carter and Crawley Manufacturing until he retired.
Ralph and his wife, Sue are long time active members of First Baptist Church of Mauldin and he is a proud Army Veteran.
Ralph’s son, Stan; daughter in law, June; and wife, Sue, were present for this special surprise presentation. Words of congratulations were offered and several standing ovations in honor of the “service above self” (Rotary motto) that has always been demonstrated by our “Charter Rotarian”, Ralph Crawley! Our Rotary theme for 2018/2019 has been “Be The inspiration”. Thank you, Ralph Crawley for being that inspiration to all of us!♦