Longtime houseware industry leader Terry Crawford, founder and CEO of Conimar Group, passed away on July 27. He was 80.
Crawford founded Conimar in July of 1976, launching the Ocala, FL-based supplier of gift-oriented housewares, tabletop, and home décor at the Chicago Housewares Show (now The Inspired Home Show).
Crawford spearheaded Conimar’s vast product expansion for 50 years through organic development and acquisitions. Conimar focuses on U.S-made products in a range of materials — including coasters, trivets, placemats, decorative signs, drinkware, counter savers, and cutting boards and mats — produced at the company headquarters in Ocala and at a facility in Springfield, TN. The company markets products under such brands as Thirstystone, Highland Home, CounterArt and Chop-Chop.
Crawford was a director of the International Housewares Association, serving as its board chairman during the 2008/2009 term. He remained active with IHA until his passing, most recently serving on the association’s Government Affairs Committee.
“I am incredibly saddened by the news of Terry Crawford’s passing,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of IHA, which owns and operates The Inspired Home Show. “Terry was passionate about our industry, IHA and the Show. He was a true gentleman and friend to all of us who were lucky enough to have known him.
“I personally met Terry over 30 years ago,” Miller continued. “He was incredibly influential in my early career, mentoring me on the housewares industry and trade shows, and was instrumental in my hiring by IHA. We’ve maintained a strong friendship through the years — simply a lovely man who will be deeply missed.”
Beyond the housewares industry, Crawford, a lifelong Ocala resident, was active in several professional and community organizations. He chaired the Munroe Regional Medical Center Foundation Board and later the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Board. An avid pilot and owner of vintage “warbird” airplanes, Crawford served for more than 50 years on the Ocala International Airport Advisory Board.
A former member of the University of Mississippi School of Business Advisory Board, he was inducted into the Ole Miss Alumni Hall of Fame in 2012 and into the university’s Business School Hall of Fame in 2025.
Crawford was preceded in death by his first wife, Connie, and son Mitchell. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, as well as his extended family and numerous friends and business associates.
A celebration of Crawford’s life is set for August 29, with visitation at 1 p.m. and services at 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Ocala, 2801 SE Maricamp Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Terry Crawford Area of Greatest Need Fund at AdventHealth Ocala Foundation. Donations can be made online at yourgenerosityhealsocala.com or mailed to AdventHealth Ocala Foundation, 1500 SW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida, 34471, or to Salvation Army Ocala, 2901 NE 14th St., Ocala, FL 34470.
