Randall Lee Crabtree, age 82, of Petersburg, TN, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 3 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Bro. Jason Pagel officiating. Visitation with the family will take place from 1 PM until the time of service. A private burial will follow at Buchanan Pigg Cemetery on the family farm.
Born on March 23, 1943, in Lincoln County, TN, Randall was the son of the late Rayford Lee and Daddis Deane Rhodes Crabtree. He built a successful career in the sign industry before retiring after 20 years in marketing and sales with PPG Industries. In 1993, Randall and his wife Jolene returned to their roots in Lincoln County after living in Smyrna, TN, for 24 years. He was a devoted member of Friendship Church of Christ.
Randall was a man of many interests and talents. He was a skilled craftsman, creating and selling handmade wooden toys and leather goods under the name Crabtree Leather. He was a proud member of the Tennessee Longhunters Club and had a deep love for history, storytelling, and the great outdoors.
Known for his warm personality and sharp wit, Randall never met a stranger. He had a special fondness for riddles and puzzles, particularly sharing them with children, and was always ready with a good-natured prank or corny joke—especially on April Fools’ Day. His zest for life was also evident in his love of travel; he explored all 50 U.S. states and every national park, as well as numerous countries around the world. He was also an aficionado of great restaurants and good conversation.
Randall cherished his family and many dear, lifelong friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jolene Pigg Crabtree; sons, Richard Lee Crabtree and Michael Alan Crabtree; brother, Ray Crabtree (Brenda); sisters, Pam Mills (Mike) and Michelle Decker (Donny); and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friendship Church of Christ.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Randall Lee Crabtree.
I worked with Randall at PPG, and more specifically at Matthews Paint Company. Randall was a fantastic colleague and friend. He was engaging and fun to be around…always with a joke, a magic trick, or an anecdote to share. More importantly he was a kind and principled man…a real gentleman. I have many fond memories of trade shows and evenings in Randall’s company and he was beloved at Matthews Paint, perhaps even embodying the spirit of MPC. I’m saddened by his passing. These things, I suppose, are inevitable, but it’s sad to lose such a good man from our midst. But his spirit will live on in our hearts and minds. We will always remember getting a little money from Randall…or failing the Hillbilly IQ test. I still have my miniature penny and that devious button-hole device. He’d slipped it on quickly under my nose, then had to coach me to remove it. He taught us all how to be a good person and businessman, leading quietly by example. Rest in Peace Randall. You lead a good life and will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to the Crabtree family on your loss.
I and Randall worked together at PPG. Our jobs crossed the same customers, but for different products. Randall was a delight to talk and work with. His jokes and tricks were a tip of the iceberg for the intelligent and spiritual man I came to know. My heartfelt condolences to the Crabtree family.
Another great called home. My kids really enjoyed Mr. Randall and looked forward to his riddles on Sunday’s and they still have their little money he gave them. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Jolene. I am so sorry to hear of Randall’ s passing.. it was many years ago when we knew each other in Nashville. Always enjoyed chatting with you when we ran into each other in in fay. May God comfort you & your family!
Jolene,
So sorry to hear about Randall. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Randall will be greatly missed. He was a very unique and wonderful person. My memory goes back to he and Dad playing checkers. God bless.
Have many good memories of Randall, i remember playing Rook every recess when we were in grade school We attended many functions together in school and through tbe years A dear friend thst will be missed . My prayers are with Jolene and his family
Michelle and Family .I am so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. God has gained another Angel and your brother gained his wings.All our Love and prayers.
Pam & Family, Sorry to hear about your Brother. Thoughts and Prayers for all Your Family.
I never know what to say when people pass as it is hard to find meaningful words. What I do know is that Randall was one of the best people I have known. We crossed paths early in my life and I am very thankful for that time – I have no doubt that I am just one of many people who feel the same way. Randall will be missed.
God bless and comfort Miss Jolene and the family.
Pam & Mike Sorry for ya’ll loss may god comfort the family in this diffcult time. Our prayers and though are with the family.
May God’s promises of Eternal Life bring peace and comfort to his family and many friends until the day you are all reunited in God’s heavenly kingdom. He will be greatly missed by all.
With deepest sympathy,
Marilyn Ault
Michelle, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear brother. My condolences to your entire family.