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Charles Crabtree Obituary

Charles "Redd" Crabtree, 79, of Simpsonville, passed away Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 in Louisville.
Redd Crabtree has been a rider, trainer and breeder of American Saddlebred Horses for over 60 years, a renowned teacher and judge, and three-time winner of the World's Grand Championship for Five-Gaited Saddlebreds at the Kentucky State Fair. He has been a winner or trainer in every major Five- Gaited World's Championship division multiple times. He is a founder of the United Professional Horseman's Association and served as president. He received the American Saddlebred Horse Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the UPHA and Kentucky State Fair Halls of fame. He was a man of faith, a member of Church of the Annunciation and attended Simpsonville Baptist Church. He is also a friend of Bill Wilson.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Charles and Helen Crabtree; brother, Wesley "Dub" Jones.
Survivors include: wife of 54 years, Nancy Riester Crabtree, Simpsonville; daughters, Anne Crabtree and Susan Fenton, Simpsonville; son, Casey Crabtree (Sabra), Simpsonville; grandchildren, Rebecca and Tut Crabtree and Taylor and Katie Fenton; brother, Ray Jones, Arkansas.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 at the Simpsonville Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Boyd officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 1 p.m. until the service time.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Shannon Funeral Home in Shelbyville.
Expressions of Sympathy may be made to: The American Saddlebred Museum or charity of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sentinel-News from Jan. 22 to Jan. 29, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Crabtree

Not sure what to say?





noreen

January 24, 2015

what a great man!

January 22, 2015

Our deepest condolences to Nancy and family. Wished we could have known him longer. He was a very nice gentleman. He certainly will be missed by his church family. Richard and Phillis Walker

Laura Jordan

January 22, 2015

I am so saddened hearing of Redd's passing. He was a wonderful man, and he so reminded me of my dad. Redd was part of the finest generation of trainers and breeders in the industry. My dad thought so highly of him, as we all did. In recent years, I have cherished so much the time I spent with you and Redd at the Louisville show, and there were those moments when I could see my father in him. I know Fritz has welcomed him home, and they are talking horses with Helen, Charlie, Lloyd, Earl, and all the other members of the group. I am thinking of you and your family, and please know that Redd was one of the best, and he loved you and his family so very much. I love you.

bramble valerie

January 22, 2015

You will be missed by many that knew you a true gentleman you were

January 22, 2015

To the family of Mr.Redd Crabtree.I am so sorry for your loss,such a fine gentleman.I remember going to many shows and the Crabtrees were always winners.He will never be replaced with all that his family has done with horses.I am glad I saw him at Rock Creek a few years ago.My prayers are with this special family.Love Debbie Whittenberg

January 22, 2015

Nancy and family We are praying for you at this time of your lives. Redd touched many lives and will be missed by all
Don & Meta Scott

Susan

January 22, 2015

My deepest sympathy to you Nancy, Anne, Susan and Casey. Redd was a true Southern Gentleman who worked magic with horse. He had a profound effect on my life and I will always cherish my memories. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. With love, Susie

Steve Stout

January 22, 2015

Nancy and family,

I'm very sorry about Redd's passing. He will be missed greatly by so many.
Know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

God be with you

Dave Johnstone

January 22, 2015

Words are inadequate to express the depth of loss that I feel with Redd's passing. He was the kindest and gentlest man I ever met. There is an empty space in my heart. "My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away,for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." Song of Songs

Julie Beam

January 21, 2015

Nancy and family,

I am so sorry for your loss and saddened by the loss of an awesome man who had a profound impact on my life. Redd will be missed by many...RIP Redd xo

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