Ricky Alonzo Crawley died on March 19, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 7 and Miller Funeral Home — Downtown Chapel at 507 S. Main Ave. in Sioux Falls.
Ricky was born on Nov. 29, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York.
When he was 9 months old, his birth mother gave him up to be raised by his Aunt Ida May and Uncle Otis Turner in Chesapeake, VA. He was received with open and loving arms by them. Ricky also had an adopted sister named Shelia Turner who sadly passed away at age 30. Ricky had described that he grew up in a conservative household with loving parents.
His dad had served in the military at age 18 and later on became a Deacon at their local Southern Baptist Church. His entire childhood revolved around growing up with church as the central foundation. This kept Ricky out of trouble as he was always busy and very active. His mom worked as a presser at a dry cleaners until she retired which allowed her flexibility to attend all of Ricky’s activities.
Ricky graduated from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, VA, in 1978.
He went on to enroll in college at James Madison University in Harrisburg, VA, where he completed his Bachelor’s of Music Education in 1982. He then went on to complete his Master’s degree at Michigan State University in 1984. He concluded his education at Florida State University with obtaining a Doctorate of Philosophy in Music in 2001.
Ricky spent the first four years of his career teaching music at two public schools. Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville, VA, and then Buffalo Gap High School in Swoope, VA. He left Buffalo Gap High School when he received a phone call from the department head of music at James Madison University.
Ricky was asked to become the assistant to the department head of music and he gladly accepted the position. He spent the next few years there, where he also completed his Doctorate.
He then went on work at South Dakota State University in various roles including the applied music teacher for the oboe, saxophone and bassoon; taught music literature classes and ended his career there as the Jazz Band director. Rickey ended up leaving the music world for a while and worked a few years at SGS in Brookings, South Dakota.
Eventually, Ricky’s health caught up with him and he relocated to Sioux Falls, SD to receive the medical care and attention he needed. He worked part time at Popplars Music Store giving music lessons to young people until he was no longer able to.
Some of Ricky’s favorite memories involved teaching his students music, particularly jazz music and the many instruments involved. He was extremely passionate about this. He was also able to be a part of the Ambassadors of Music program. This program afforded students and teachers the opportunity to spend two weeks in Europe and travel all around playing music. Rick played the oboe and also helped/coached students on playing. Rick also played in various jazz clubs throughout his life AND even being able to play with the Temptations! This was a high light in his memory vault!
Rick was preceded in death by his dad, Otis Turner and sister, Sheila Turner. He is survived by his 95-year-old mother, Ida May Turner who resides in a nursing home in Virginia as well as other family and dear friends.
