According to His Name Is Bob, the Facebook page for his 2010 documentary, Dallas' famous drifter passed peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 10, in the morning. A celebration of life will be announced shortly.
“I am honored and grateful to have had a part in telling his extraordinary life story. As he often said, ‘If no one has told you they loved you today, I do.’ May Bob's light shine on,” the account wrote.
His Name Is Bob was directed by Lisa Johnson Mitchell, who also confirmed his passing in her Instagram Stories.
The documentary about Bob's life won several awards, including a Platinum Remi Award for Best Short Documentary at WorldFest. A synopsis says, “Bob is a 54-year-old man who has spent his life defying the odds. This is his story. He has been betrayed, abandoned, beaten and abused. Through all of this darkness, Bob's light continues to shine.”
WFAA confirms he was 73 years old. Crawford's popularity began in Lower Greenville, Lake Highlands and East Dallas. Later, his ubiquitous presence became a fixture in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, popping up at various places, telling jokes and getting on stage while bands played their gigs with his electronic keyboard in tow. He relied on the kindness of semi-strangers for anything – a ride home, some pocket money, something to eat or just companionship.
Many who have encountered Crawford while bartending or seen him show up on stage have called his odd charm a staple of Deep Ellum. Many have also said he is Deep Ellum's mascot, the silver-haired iconoclast who made the neighborhood better. Deep Ellum would truly be missing something if he were gone.
In 2017, the Observer wrote about Crawford’s hospitalization for a serious kidney infection. During his stay, he wanted visitors to stop by and say hello. He recovered from surgery, but needed some assistance.
At the time, the Deep Ellum community helped raise money to cover his medical costs. He thanked them for the help and appreciated their generosity. He was eager to get back to Deep Ellum to walk around and see familiar faces, with a keyboard in his arms.
Social media honored him through their favorite memories.
His Name Is Bob / Facebook
His Name Is Bob / Facebook
His Name Is Bob / Facebook
His Name Is Bob / Facebook
Trees / Instagram
Trees / Instagram
Trees / Instagram
Trees / Instagram
