Deacon Vette T. Crane, Jr.

Deacon Vette T. Crane, Jr. of 493 Crane Street, Pinehurst, Georgia died Sunday, September 3, 2023 at the Brightmoor Hospice in Macon, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Dooly County Elementary School in Pinehurst, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Vienna City Cemetery in Vienna, Georgia.

Vette T. Crane, Jr. was born October 23, 1928 in Pinehurst, GA to the late Vette T. Crane, Sr. and Pearl Lee Smith.  He was preceded in death by his daughters:  Christine Crane and Beatrice Shazer and his son, Alvin Crane.

His early childhood began in Pinehurst.  In the prime of his childhood he moved three times.  His first move was in 1933-1934 to Vienna; his second move was to Orlando, FL in 1934 where one year of school was completed.  The third and last move was in 1934 back to Pinehurst where school continued from 1935 to 1940.  After the completion of school in 1940, he had to deplete his schooling to assume responsibility as a young lad working on the farm to support his parents and siblings to earn extra income.  Mr. Vette T. Crane, Jr. completed courses required to receive a GED certificate late in 1960.

Mr. Vette T. Crane, Jr.’s first marriage was to Ms. Aster Mae Smith.  For the last 54 years he has been married to the former Miss Willie Mae Carroll.  Several daughters and sons were born to the marriages.  Mrs. Willie Mae Crane enjoyed marriage with her loving, caring, and supportive husband.  All of his and her children love them both dearly.

In November 1951, Mr. Crane worked a short period in South Bay, FL.  In 1952 work was done in Pool Ville, NY.  Late in 1952, to seek better employment, he along with his family moved to Perry, GA.  He worked as a construction worker in Warner Robins, GA from November 1952 to June 26, 1953.  In 1953, Mr. Crane worked at Robins Air Force Base as a General Helper building engines.  He became an entrepreneur when he began Crane Radio & TV Repair.  In July 1958, he and his family returned to Pinehurst to be near his grandparents.  The business continued until 1974.  After retiring from business service to the community,  Mr. Crane started his lawn service business in 1984.  He retired from RAFB in 1983 after 31 years as a Quality Control Inspector.  

Mr. Crane was the 1st African American to serve on the Dooly County Board of Education.  He served from 1976-1979.   From 1988 until 2014, he served as treasurer of the Georgia Missionary Baptist Association where he received several awards and certificates.   The City of Pinehurst honored him by changing the name of  Calhoun Street to Crane Street.  During his leisure time he enjoyed being a CB operator which allowed him to attend many conventions and travel to several other cities.

Mr. Vette T. Crane, Jr. always showed interest in family members and friends who grew up in Pinehurst.  In an effort to bring family and friends who grew up in Pinehurst, he would send letters encouraging  them to come once a year to celebrate Homecoming at the Evergreen Baptist Church.  In sponsoring the celebration from 1983-1996, approximately 200 people participated.  The weekend event included food, drinks, and a variety of music, games for children and the everlasting fellowship with all who participated.

Left to carry on his legacy, he leaves a loving and devoted wife, Willie Mae Crane; 11 children, Levora (Elijah) Holt, Leila (Melvin) Ecford, Rufus (Amanda) Crane, Vette T. III, Iseral, Geraldine Holley, Willis Ray (Lachandra), Linda Faye (Dwight) Horsey, Calvin (Debra) Bailey, Marion Leonard, Gandy (Mary) Gary; 96 grandchildren; 67 great grandchildren; 21 great, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends and loved ones.

While Mr. Vette T. has left his earthly home, he will live on forever in the hearts, minds and souls of those who knew and loved hi,  He was a great man that did great things and though he is gone, he will never be forgotten!