Henry Houston Crane Jr.

Henry Houston Crane, Jr., 92, of Charlotte, NC went home to be with our Lord January 29, 2024. Born October 7, 1931 in Charlotte, NC, to Henry Houston Crane, Sr. and Mary Leona Leazer Crane. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, June Allen Murphy Crane. Mr. Crane is survived by his children, Sherry Crane Smith and husband Barry, Douglas Ray Crane, and Henry Houston Crane, III. He was “Pop” to five grandchildren, Tamara Starnes, Joshua Smith and wife Becky, Jeremy Smith and wife Monica, Rev. Juston Smith, and Taylor Marie Crane; and nine great-grandchildren, Brandon, Jami, Caleb, Ethan, Caden, Noah, Callie, Olivia, and Jenna. He is also survived by siblings Jane Mullis and Bill Crane, and several nieces and nephews. He leaves this earthly family with a legacy of love, kindness, compassion, and most of all enduring faith in Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior.

Mr. Crane was a polio survivor as a teenager and spent many months recuperating in Warm Springs, GA. before graduating from Harding High School in 1951. He was also a member of the Harding Alumni Club. He was a charter and faithful member of Tuckaseegee Road Methodist Church which is now Covenant United Methodist Church. He was a member of the United Methodist Men, Chancel Choir, Mountain Toppers Senior Group, and served on multiple committees. Houston was presented the Laity Service Award twice. He loved his church. Houston worked in sales for truck parts at Power Brake Company, Brake Service, Truck and Trailer Supply, J.C. Warren, and Transport Equipment at retirement, and then part time at Bradley Wrecker Service. Houston was a member of the “Shepherds of Song”, a men’s choir who traveled to numerous churches to sing praises to God. He was also a member of the Hornet's Nest Region Car Club and Antique Auto Car Club of America. He purchased a 1950 Ford truck with his dad to be used to deliver groceries from Crane Food Store and in later years enjoyed restoring it to its original state. He won numerous car show awards displaying his truck as a member of the car club. Instead of goodbyes, his loving salutation to friends and family was “See you Saturday.” Pop, we will “See you in Heaven.”

A visitation for Henry will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the time of service, 11:00 AM at Covenant United Methodist Church, 6824 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214. Burial in Forest Lawn West Cemetery, 4601 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com.