MARION, VIRGINIA: RODDY RUDOLPH CRABTREE, age 77, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Paul and Nancy Gibson Crabtree; one infant son, Robert Michael Crabtree; a sister, Peggy Jane Crabtree Riddle; father and mother-in-law, John William and Lois Waddle Barger; and a sister-in-law, Charleene Simmerman Barger.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anna (Butchie) Barger Crabtree of Marion, Virginia; brother-in-law, Paul L. Barger, Ceres, Virginia; niece, Brenda Faulkner and her husband, C.L. of Bland, Virginia; nephew, Laymond Barger and his wife, Debbie of Ceres, Virginia; aunt, Mrs. Ruth Gibson of Chilhowie, Virginia; great-nephews, Hunter Barger and Cole Faulkner; great-niece, Jordan Faulkner; several cousins, camping crew friends and lots of special friends.
Mr. Crabtree was born in Ceres, Virginia, September 29, 1934. He proudly served in the United States Army. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service for 31 years, during which time he designed numerous farm ponds, spring development systems and strip cropping plans in Smyth and Bland County. He also operated a beef cattle farm for 50 years in the Adwolfe community. Mr. Crabtree was a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church where he served on numerous committees and church council. He was a charter member of the Adwolfe Fire Department and the Adwolfe Ruritan Club. He had served on the board for 8 years of the Smyth-Bland Regional Library. He is the current vice-president of the Smyth County Farm Bureau Board and had been involved with the Virginia State Farm Bureau and the great Southwest District and he had served as president of the Marion Lions Club. He was a graduate of Ceres High School class of 1952, and furthered his education at Washington County Technical School studying drafting and engineering.
The family will receive friends at Ebenezer Lutheran Church on Friday, June 22, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will follow at 8:00 p.m. Graveside Service will be held Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Sharon Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ceres, Virginia.
Memorials may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 222 West Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Crabtree Family.