Bobby Lee Crawford, affectionately known as "Tip Top",  was born on April 3, 1942, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Booker T. Washington Crawford and the late Clara Smalls Crawford.  He was educated in the Spartanburg County School District, and graduated  from Carver High School.  He was employed with Tietex  which spanned over ten years.

Bobby had a deep love for music and was a talented keyboard player. A natural comedian, laughter followed wherever he went. Consistent in character, Bobby remained the same throughout life and never wavered in who he was. Loyalty extended to being a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Raiders. Fellowship was found as a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

Preceding Bobby in death were his parents; wife, Ruby Mae Crawford; brothers, James Crawford and Henry Crawford; and sister, Christine Crawford.

Left to cherish the memory are a son, Bernard Crawford of Spartanburg, South Carolina; brother, Warren D. (Renea) Beatty of Spartanburg, South Carolina; grandchildren, Javen B. Crawford and Caleb M. Crawford Cooper; close friend, Millie King; nieces, Kaylee Crawford Cooper, Gloria Crawford, Erin Smith, and Danielle Crawford; nephews, Rodney McClintock, James Crawford, Jr., Michael Crawford, Henry Crawford, and Jamal Wheeler; cousins, Angie Smith, Lashawn Smith, and Jill Bell; and a host of other relatives and friends.

On December 12, 2025, Bobby Lee Crawford transitioned at Spartanburg Medical Center. A life filled with music, laughter, and authenticity will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.