Wayne Crabtree

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Wayne Gore Crabtree passed from this life on Sunday November 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Livingston, TN February 17, 1949, to the late Marshall Paul and Rose Nell Gentry Crabtree.

Wayne graduated from Cookeville Central and Putnam County High School in 1967 and went on to attend Tennessee Tech. While at Tennessee Tech he was part of the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity. He graduated in 1971 with a Business Degree. After graduating, he pursued a 2-year Bible degree at Freed-Hardeman University. Once he received his bible degree from Freed-Hardeman University, he went on to preach for several years.

Wayne was a kind man who never met a stranger. He was a storyteller by nature and loved to tell others about his family. He loved the UT Vols, both basketball and football, and loved cheering them on. He was fortunate enough to sing on a gospel album with good friends Bob and Martha Dyer, Roy Johnson and Larry Vinson. But most of all he loved playing with his grand babies, Rylee, Adam, Katelyn, Lucas and Noah.

He met his soul mate, Jo Saylors Crabtree, in 1967 and went on to marry her on August 25, 1972. They were married for 53 years and were a pillar for their family. Besides his wife, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Dawn Crabtree; his daughter, Robin Hartbarger and her partner, Kyle Dowell; his five grandchildren, Rylee Hartbarger, Adam Crabtree, Katelyn Crabtree, Lucas Crabtree and Noah Crabtree. Also, a brother, Larry Crabtree of Cookeville; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Vaughn Moore of Newport, TN; special niece and nephew; a host of beloved cousins; and his beloved dog Chewy.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Vernon and Maude Crabtree; maternal grandparents John and Nellie Gentry; father and mother-in law, James and Jean Saylors; brother-in-law, Jim Saylors and sister-in-law, Mauna Faye Crabtree.

A funeral service honoring Wayne will be at 1 p.m. Thursday December 4 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Bro Clarence DeLoach will officiate. Interment will follow at Crest Lawn Cemetery. Visitation for friends and family will be Wednesday evening from 5 - 8 p.m. and again Thursday from 12 - 1 p.m.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.