Billy "Bill" Wayne Crabtree

Billy “Bill” Wayne Crabtree, 87, went to his forever home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at home in Laurel, Mississippi. He was born in Vossburg, Mississippi on November 28, 1936, to Acie Cinkler and Lydia Crabtree. He was a graduate of Mossville High School in Moss, Mississippi. He served in the United States Army in Korea at the end of the Korean War with the Military Police. During his time in the Army, he received awards for Sharpshooter (Pistol & Carbine), Expert (Rifle), and Good Conduct. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he began his lifelong career of auto repair service and worked with multiple companies including Uniroyal Tires, Pep Boys, and Quick Lube Service before owning and operating his own business, Fifth Avenue Auto Service, until his retirement in 2000. He was a founding member of West Laurel Church of God, and in his later years, attended Ellisville First Assembly of God until he was no longer able. He loved and served the Lord faithfully all of his days and loved to teach others about the Lord. Throughout his years, he taught Sunday School with the local jail ministry and the local nursing homes. He loved the outdoors and never missed an opportunity to hunt, fish, work in his yard, or tend to his garden. He loved bowling and was a member of bowling leagues in both California and Mississippi and often competed in bowling tournaments with his teams. After retiring, he found his love of golf and could often be found on the golf course with his two best friends, Aubrey Malone and Royce Stringer. But most of all, he loved spending time with all his family, especially his grandchildren, Ethan and Emily, who were his pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Anna Mae Crabtree; his father, Acie Cinkler Crabtree; his mother, Lydia Dyess Crabtree; his sisters, Margaret Kay and Rita Taylor; his brothers in law, Paul Kay, Ray Taylor, and Claude Snell; and his niece, Cathy Bumpus. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Crabtree; his daughter, Jo Carole (Daniel) Eldridge; his grandson, Ethan Grice; his granddaughter, Emily Grice; his sister, Gloria Snell; three stepsons, Terry (Irene) Burris, Robert (Cherie) Burris, and Jeremy (Tracy) Fant; two stepdaughters, Patty (Ralph) Reiher, and Amanda (James) Hardy; step grandchildren, Stacey (Josh) Campbell, Greg (Rebecca) Reiher, Christine (Kyle) Herndon, Marrissa Hardy, Zaylen Merrifield, Elanna Hardy, and Cheyenne Taylor; and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Sharon Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. Reverend Curtis Pitts and Reverend Rhonda Mitchell will officiate. Pallbearers will be Daniel Eldridge, Ethan Grice, Thomas Grice, Daniel Taylor, David Taylor, and Randy Adams. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aubrey Malone, Royce Stringer, Wallace Smith, Dennis Ray Taylor, Jeremy Fant, and James Taylor. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his wonderful caregiver with A First Name Basis, Christian Jarrell. They would also like to extend a special thank you to all his wonderful Hospice Nurses and Chaplin with Deaconess, Dottie Smith, Stacey Hill, Whitney Gray, Saundra Rooks, and Bro. Bruce Walley. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Billy "Bill" Wayne Crabtree

November 28, 1936 - February 10, 2024