Paul M. Crabtree

Paul M. Crabtree passed away unexpectedly at home April 10, 2024. Paul, 65, was born in Pulaski, VA on January 7, 1959, to the late Reverend James Lee Crabtree and Joyce Pauline Wray.
Paul married the love of his life, Dena Maria Martin on November 18, 1977. In their 46 years of marriage, they raised three amazing children, Nicole Boggs (Dennis), Tracy Tucker (Eric), and Cory Crabtree (Megan). In addition to his wife and children, Paul leaves behind his brother, Charles (Gloria) Crabtree, his grandchildren Anneliese and Samuel Boggs; Natalie and Luke Tucker; Della, Lola, and Brennan Crabtree; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Paul was a lineman and then construction manager with C&P Telephone, Bell Atlantic, and Verizon for forty years. After "retirement", he worked for TCM. When the phone company moved Paul and Dena away from their hometown of Honaker, VA, they learned to navigate life together. Paul was devoted to Dena, enjoying spending their time together traveling and watching their favorite movies (particularly Shrek).
Although a self-proclaimed hillbilly at heart, Paul knew the streets of Hampton Roads better than any GPS. His small-town spirit remained in his willingness to help anyone in need. He was a man of strong work ethic, values, and faith.
Paul was also an avid fan of sports, spending many years coaching football, baseball, softball, and basketball. Even when his coaching years were done, he spent most weekends attending the numerous sporting events of his grandchildren, even learning to love soccer, cheering, and swim. When not cheering from the sidelines, Paul could be found diligently maintaining the best lawn in Hillcrest Farms, and perhaps all of Virginia Beach or tinkering at his project car, a 1964 Chevelle Malibu.
Paul was a long-time member and former elder at Real Life Christian Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. As a preacher's kid, he served the lord faithfully throughout his life.
A celebration of life will be held at Real Life Christian Church on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 5:00pm. The family will receive visitors after the service Saturday evening. Paul will be laid to rest privately at Colonial Grove Memorial Park on Monday. Pallbearers include Cory Crabtree, Dennis Boggs, Eric Tucker, Jamie Tabor, Eric Dellinger, and Joey Chamberlain and Honorary Pallbearers Gordon Ivey, Billy Rose, and William "Topper" Leonard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Real Life Christian Church, 900 Centerville Parkway North, Chesapeake, VA 23320, https://www.reallife.church/give.