Charles Myron Crabtree Jr.

Charles M. Crabtree, Jr., of Cary, North Carolina, was called home by the Lord on April 17, 2026, surrounded by family, friends, and his pastor. Charlie was born at Watts Hospital in Durham to Jack and Patricia Crabtree. He is preceded in death by both his parents, his son Shayne Crabtree and his daughter Catherine Quinby. He is survived by his wife whom he was with for forty-six years, Cindi; granddaughter Kayla DeGruchy (Thomas); grandson Christopher Quinby; sister Jane O’Brien; brother Guy (Gayle); great-granddaughters Emma and Clara DeGruchy; brother-in-law, Tom Carter (Colleen); many beloved nieces and nephews, along with several friends he considered as family.

Charlie’s love for sports began early on while at Northern High School in Durham where he lettered in three sports. Post- graduation from Northern, Charlie joined the Army National Guard. As a Sargent in the Special Operations unit, he was deployed to Southeast Asia several times during the Vietnam conflict. Although a graduate of Syracuse University Sales and Marketing, he was a die-hard fan of UNC, the Red Sox, and a converted fan of NC State because of his wife. His career path in sales and marketing took him from Lufkin Rule, to executive positions at Cooper Tools, Champion Spark Plug, and Spanset International before eventually branching out with CMC Sales and Marketing as an independent sales representative. After retirement, he filled some of his spare time driving for Johnson Automotive where his love of cars, travel and comradery were satisfied.

Charlie loved traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. He never met a stranger, loved adventure, embraced knowledge, and loved to laugh. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed stimulating conversations. As a member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church, he was a member of the men’s Youst Bible study group, the Reflections Sunday School class, and was a lead usher for several years. Based on his various charitable donations, Charlie believed in giving back, realizing that what we do for others in the world exemplifies humanity.

When we lose someone, we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind. You left us an enormous amount of love. Until we are reunited, rest in peace my love.

Condolences can be sent to www.brownwynnecary.com. A memorial service will be held on October 9th at 2:00 PM at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina, with a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Tunnel to Towers www.t2t.org; to the Wounded Warrior Project https://supportwoundedwarriorproject.org; or to the Hayes Barton Scholarship Fund www.hbbc.org.