Charles Elton Crabb, 91, went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville. He was born December 22, 1926 to R.C. and Mollie Edna Windham Crabb. He was a 1945 graduate of New Site High School and a member of the 1945 state championship basketball team. He was drafted into the United States Army and served during the occupation of Japan after the end of World War II. He was a public servant for his beloved Booneville, MS, as he served as alderman from 1961 to 1977, and served as mayor from 1977 to 1985. He was also the owner and operator of Booneville Monument Company from the mid 1970’s until his death. His interests included: studying the Bible and his Sunday school lesson, listening to gospel music, watching the Atlanta Braves, eating breakfast at Hardee’s, and fellowshipping with family and friends.
“Grandaddy,” as he was affectionately called by his family, was justified by faith in Jesus Christ in 1949 at a spring revival meeting. The new birth was very evident in his life from the moment of regeneration, as the fruit of the Holy Spirit was borne in his life for all to see. Grandaddy loved God! Sanctification was obvious. He was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, as he witnessed by word and by deed to those he came in contact with. He was a man of prayer as he earnestly prayed for his family, friends, and those that are unconverted. He was a giving man, and would be quick to instruct you about how much Christ had given him. He was a selfless and humble man, as he would be quick to give all the honor and glory to his God, for anything that he might have done in his life. Grandaddy loved the Church! He served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and song leader at Calvary Baptist Church, where he was a charter member for many years. At the time of his death, he was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.
Grandaddy loved Mamaw! He married Mary Helen Pounds on February 13, 1949, and was a faithful husband for 65 years until her death. He strove to love her “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” They set an example for their family of what a Godly home is, as they served the Lord together and trained their children in subjection.
Grandaddy loved his family! He was just always there, for everything. Grandaddy knew God, and this enabled him to help his family with pure wisdom from above. He used the Scripture’s doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction to help his family. We thank God for giving us this man, who will be missed until “the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 13, 2018, at Gaston Baptist Church with Bro. Josh Simmons, Bro. Chip Johnson, and Bro. Mike Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at Gaston Baptist Church. There will also be a one hour visitation before the funeral service on Saturday. Burial will be in Booneville Cemetery.
He is survived by his daughter, Cindy (John) Simmons of Savannah, TN; a son-in-law, Mike (Janet) Johnson of Rienzi; a sister-in-law, Virginia Goddard of Booneville; four grandchildren, Chip (Amanda) Johnson of Randolph; Jade (Josh) Hutchens of New Albany, Josh (Cynthia) Simmons of Brownsville, TN; and Amber (Kyle) Heard of Pontotoc; eight great-grandchildren, Kaylee Faith Johnson, Kylee Grace Johnson, Kellan Hope Johnson, Kynslee Lane Johnson, Brody Kyle Hutchens, Greyson Michael Hutchens, Eli Jordan Simmons, and Hydee Lynn Heard; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his daughter, Cathy Johnson.
Pallbearers are John Simmons, Chip Johnson, Josh Simmons, Josh Hutchens, Kyle Heard, and Brock Dunaway.
Honorary pallbearers are James Goddard, Bobby Goddard, Dan Crabb, Ronny Guin, Danny Murphy, Billy Morgan, Billy McCoy, Larry Dillard, Lee Kendrick, Boyd Riddle, and the Round Table at Hardee’s.
