Governor Perdue Orders Flags on State Capitol Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Ray Crawford

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today ordered flags on the State Capitol building and grounds be flown at half-staff in memory of Ray Crawford tomorrow, Monday, November 28 – the day of his funeral. Mr. Crawford served the state of Georgia in many capacities, including executive director of the State Properties Commission and the Georgia Building Authority. Mr. Crawford was also appointed the state’s first state property officer in December 2004.

“Ray Crawford was a dedicated and devoted public servant,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Mary and I mourn his passing and pray for his family during this difficult holiday season.”

Text of the Executive Order is provided below.

Executive Order

FLAG ON CAPITOL BUILDING ORDERED LOWERED TO HALF STAFF

WHEREAS: The State of Georgia mourns the loss of J. Ray Crawford, Jr., a dedicated and devoted public officer and public servant; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Crawford served the State of Georgia in a variety of key positions relating to the acquisition, management and conservation of Georgia’s capital assets having served as Deputy Executive Director, then Executive Director of the State Properties Commission for more than thirty-two years; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Crawford served in recent years as Executive Director of the Georgia Building Authority, and was appointed as Georgia’s first State Property Officer in December 2004; and

WHEREAS: Governors, Agency Heads, members of the General Assembly and local government officials relied upon and appreciated Mr. Crawford’s assistance, leadership and technical guidance as key properties were acquired for such use as state parks, wildlife management areas, technical and adult education facilities, colleges and university facilities, office buildings, National Guard facilities, hospitals, prisons; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Crawford faithfully served the people of the State of Georgia in each of his distinguished roles and positions with kindness, integrity, commitment and an ever present and always welcomed sense of humor; and

WHEREAS: The citizens of the State of Georgia share the grief of the Crawford family during this time of great loss.

NOW THEREFORE, IN HONOR AND AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE MEMORY OF J. RAY CRAWFORD, JR., PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED: That the flag of the United States and the flag of this State be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol building and grounds on Monday, November 28, 2005, the day of his funeral, until sunset.

This 27th day of November, 2005

(Signed: Sonny Perdue)_____

GOVERNOR