Joe Wheeler Crabtree III, age 75, of Midtown, TN, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024 following a brief illness. 

 

His friends and family are filled with a sense of sorrow for his passing but also are grateful that he is no longer suffering from the ails which were inflicting him. He was able to pass peacefully in his sleep as he was hoping to do. He was ready to see his friends and family waiting for him on the other side. 

 

Father to Joey, Jason, and Jericka, he was a fierce protector and teacher on a daily basis. His sole mission in life was to look after and take care of his kids and family members. Joe made sure to never let them forget just how important they were to him. 

 

Often described as selfless, he would give everything he had to those who were in need. He never knew a stranger. Many of his children’s friends referred to him as Dad. His closest friends referred to him as Hubba Bubba. Joe was always the life of the party, and he brought a smile to everyone he ever met. 

 

Joe instilled in his children a work ethic and sense of care for others. He often would beam with pride when talking about his kids, the work they do, and so much more. His children are beyond grateful for the many years their father took to love, support, and push them to become the people they are today. He was their rock. 

 

During his life, Joe served as a member of the Tennessee National Guard for 13 years. He was very proud of his time in service to his nation and often wished he had remained active for a longer period of time. 

 

One of his greatest joys in life was riding his motorcycles. When his kids were younger, they would be found riding in front or behind him on the bike traveling everywhere. Joe later shared his love and joy of riding his Harley Davidson with his son Jason. They would often be seen riding their matching bikes down curvy roads looking for adventure. 

 

A lover of his own beard, and lack of hair on his head, Joe often reveled in the fact that little kids would identify him as Santa Claus. At one point in his career, he was Santa driving a giant red tractor trailer across the country. It was not uncommon for him to wear his Santa hat and glasses year round. 

 

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joe (Red) Crabtree Jr. and Christine (Tine) Humphreys Crabtree; grandparents Joe Sr. and Sissy Crabtree and Paul and Clara Humphreys.

 

Survivors left to carry on his legacy include his sons, Joe Wheeler Crabtree IV of Johnson City and Jason Todd Crabtree (Britney) of Midtown; daughter, Jericka Ashley Mann (Barrett) of Rockwood; sister, Sue Owen (Gary) of Knoxville; brother, Paul (Hammer) Crabtree of Harriman; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins. A special thank you to the Julian family in Linwood, Michigan, for taking Joe in as a member of their own family for 50 years. He certainly left a piece of himself there. 

 

Joe wished to be cremated, and no services held.

Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston is honored to serve the Crabtree family.