Lowell Pleasant Crabtree, Jr.

Lowell Pleasant Crabtree passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 26, 2023, at the age of 94, following a brief illness. He was born December 21, 1928, on Big A Mountain in Buchanan County, VA. As a young man, he served in the Korean War with the 101st Infantry of the United States Army. After the War, he returned to Kingsport, TN where he got involved in the coal and gravel industries. After attending East Tennessee State University, he worked in finance for a few years before he was transferred to Maryville, TN. There he met his future bride and decided to make the area his home and build a family. After several years, he decided to open his own company, which he then expanded to over thirty locations throughout the East Tennessee area. Over the years, he employed hundreds of people, many of which went on after his guidance and leadership to become very successful. He was of the Christian faith, which guided him throughout his life. He loved the Lord and going to church, and always remembered to thank God for his life and many blessings. As a member

of East Alcoa Baptist Church, he served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. He adored his family and was a devoted husband and father. Some of his favorite times together were their annual trips to the beach. He also loved to go back to his roots and visit with

relatives and friends on the family farm. Throughout the years as his son grew up, he enjoyed traveling around the country, taking Rod to play in competitive golf tournaments. He had a great passion for work. He looked forward to traveling to the various offices and talking with employees and customers. Through his business, he had the pleasure of serving and building relationships with countless individuals in the community. He is best known around Maryville as the “man with the cigar.” He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Crabtree; brother, Bob Crabtree, of Big A Mountain, VA; sister, Arbutus Hood, of Knoxville, TN; and brother, Harold Crabtree, of Bristol, Virginia. Survivors include his son, Rod Crabtree of Maryville, TN; brother, JB Crabtree, of Honaker, VA; sister, Fran Reagan, of Frankfort, IN; sister, Sue Miles, of Lula, GA, and several other nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 PM Friday, September 29, 2023 at Smith West Chapel. The Funeral Service will follow at 6:00 PM with Rev. Alan Edick officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 9:00 AM for Interment Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Clarks Grove Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com