William "Bill" H. Crabtree
William H. “Bill” Crabtree left his earthly home for his spiritual home peacefully on January 11, 2024, surrounded by his family. Bill was born and reared in Glade Spring, VA, his beloved home. He attended Lees-McRae College before transferring to Virginia Tech where he obtained a B.S. degree in Industrial Arts Education. He coached high school football and taught classes in Colonial Heights and Henry Country in addition to working in several industry-based companies.
After settling his family in Collinsville, Bill enjoyed a lifetime career as a business owner and general agent selling insurance, annuities, and investments. He was dedicated to his family, community, church, and the state of Virginia. Bill was known for his leadership, service, and commitment to improving the lives of other people. He was president and lifetime member of the Collinsville Jaycees and Virginia Jaycees. Additionally, he was appointed JCI Senator and awarded the organization’s highest honor as an Ambassador of the United States Jaycees.
Leadership work continued as president of the Collinsville Recreation Center, Martinsville-Henry County Junior Miss scholarship program, Martinsville-Henry County Association of Life Underwriters, and the collaborative team that conceived and developed the Collinsville Jaycee Park.
Bill was a proud member of the Rotary Club, Integon Insurance Company President’s Roundtable, and the First Presbyterian Church of Collinsville where he led the youth group and served as a deacon.
During retirement, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, vacationing at Ocean Drive, SC, going on cruises, and engaging in genealogy research. Music, storytelling, playing the guitar, reading, woodwork, talking with people, and photography remained his life-long interests. His appreciation for people and the spiritual nature of the Blue Ridge mountains and Appalachian culture never wavered; and he did not miss the opportunity to support the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents William Henry and Lucy Church Crabtree, the mother of his children, Jean Arthur Crabtree, and son, William Henry “Hank” Crabtree. Bill is survived by his daughter, Kimberlee W. “Kacy” Crabtree; wife of 27 years, Linda Plott Crabtree and her daughter Memory M. Purcell and her sons, Hunter and Dylan Priggen.
There will be no public visitation or funeral. However, friends, colleagues, and family who wish to acknowledge and honor Bill’s memory are welcome to visit Norris Funeral Home in Martinsville, VA from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on January 20 and January 21. A registry and memorabilia will be available for your viewing. A private graveside service will be held during the spring months at Old Glade Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Glade Spring, VA when the weather is warm and the dogwoods and rhododendrons bloom.
In lieu of flowers, food, and home visits, the family requests donations be made in his memory or honor to Mountain Valley Hospice and or a favorite non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people and their community.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Martinsville, VA is serving the Crabtree family.
