Crawford Stanley Reeves, son of Jack and Marita Young Reeves, was born on December 13, 1930 in Orange, New Jersey. Along with younger brother Kenneth Reeves, he grew up in a loving family that provided a close family bond.

Crawford's early years were in East Orange, N J.  He attended the East Orange school system including Vernon L. Davey Middle School and eventually attending East Orange High School where he graduated as a member of the class of 1951.  Crawford was a star athlete on the East Orange Panther football team, basketball team, and spiritual choir. He was also an assistant at the Teen Canteen at Elmwood Park and

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He eventually met his love Joan in 1970 at a North Carolina Central University Alumni dinner dance.