Cecil CRABB

CRABB, Cecil Wayne (Ret. Chief Petty Officer) 71, of Riverview, sailed his final voyage on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While our tears show our sadness, our hearts are joyful knowing that Cecil is with Jesus. He was born on Nov. 10, 1940, in Memphis, TN and at a young age moved to Cape Girardeau, MO. Cecil was the son of the late Della Fay Shanks Crabb and Judy D. Crabb. He was also predeceased by a sister, Shirley Bennett. He said his final farewells to Rachel Orr Crabb, the love of his life, best friend and wife of 39 years. Also surviving are his sisters, Judy Faye Fox and her husband, Richard of Millington, TN, Bernice Stacks and her husband, Major of Southaven, MS, Venita Martin and her husband, Ervin of Horn Lake, MS, Sharon Alexander of Horn Lake, MS; niece, Cheryl Bennett Pittman and her husband, Ralph of Murray, KY; nephew, Bill Bennett and his wife, Laura of Cape Girardeau, MO; nephew, Bob Bennett of Jackson, MO; nephews, Donald Lynn Fox and Joe David Fox both from Memphis, TN. Cecil was an active member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church where he served as an usher. Cecil was a veteran of the Vietnam War and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for 22 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. After retiring from the Navy in February, 1980, Cecil made a home in the Tampa Bay area. He worked a short time for CSX Railroad and then retiring a second time from Tampa International Airport-Hillsborough County Aviation Authority in December, 2002. Cecil was adored by all who had the pleasure of getting to know him including his adopted nieces, Tiffany Jones Willis and her children, Casey and Jarrett; and Allison Jones Snow both from Valrico. We must remember that this is not the end, but rather the beginning of Cecil's eternal life. A service to honor and celebrate Cecil's life will be held on Friday, April 6, 2012, at 11 am at Bell Shoals Baptist Church (2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon) with Charles Young, PhD officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park (6919 Providence Road, Riverview) with full Military Honors. Honorary pallbearers for the services are his nephews Bill Bennett, Bob Bennett, Lee Snow, Jason Willis, and friends JR Mullins and Tom St. Onge. Cecil is standing tall with the sun upon his face, the sea breeze at his back and a heart filled with love, this sailor's wake will ripple long and wide through his loved ones hearts and minds left behind on that distant shore. Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be given to Bell Shoals Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made on the Serenity Meadows website, www.serenitymeadows.com. The family wishes to express their love and appreciation for all the prayers, support and love during this time. Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, 813-677-9494, www.serenitymeadows.com