Capt. Nace B. Crawford, Jr., USN, (ret.), passed away on Monday, November 2, 2015 after battling a prolonged illness. Nace was born in 1928 to a Methodist minister. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1949 and enlisted in the Navy in 1950. He was later selected for flight school and commissioned as an officer. He served 30 years in the Navy, retiring at the rank of Captain. During his career in the Navy, he filled many roles. He began his career as a fixed wing pilot and later became one of the earliest helicopter pilots in the armed services. He served as a rescue pilot and, for a long time, held the record for the farthest at sea rescue by saving the life of a Russian fisherman. He also served as a rescue pilot aboard the USS Lake Champlain during the recovery mission for Alan Shepard, the first American in space. As a test pilot, Nace delivered the first TH-57 (Jet Ranger) helicopter from the Dallas plant to the Navy, for testing. He is a graduate of the Naval War College, earned a Masters Degree from George Washington University and had several assignments at the Pentagon. Nace served several tours of duty in Pensacola and fell in love with the city. Upon retirement, he made it his permanent home. He built strong ties to the community. For example, he and a friend built a thriving commercial fishing business in the area. He loved gardening, hunting and handball. He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 60 years and their three children, Nace, Kelly and Kay and his two grandchildren, Zachary and Jonathan. He is also survived by his brother, Jim and his sister, Jerusha. Visitation will be held 5-7pm Monday, November 9, 2015 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Funeral Service will be held 12:30pm Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL. Burial will immediately follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at Naval Air Station Pensacola, 1 Cemetery Rd., Pensacola, FL. The family requests that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made in memory of Nace B. Crawford Jr. - for Pollak Training Center, The ARC Gateway 3932 N. 10th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32503. Phone: (850) 434-2638. This organization works with persons with special needs - an organization very dear to the Crawford family.