Ralph "Randy" Raymond Crabtree

Mr. Randy Crabtree, 61, died suddenly on April 19, 2017. He was the son of the late Al and Winkie Crabtree and was born on June 15, 1955, in Jacksonville, Florida. Randy took after his father as a prominent real estate attorney in Jacksonville. He was a proud second generation attorney who practiced for over thirty (30) years in the North Florida area. He had a reputation unlike any other and was filled with life. He loved being on the water and was general counsel for the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) at its initiation. While early on in his law career, he met Phyllis Crabtree, and after 18 years of being together wed in June of 2014. Randy was also blessed with two children and one stepchild who always looked up to him as their rock. In the office, Randy was known as a gentle giant. He had a special way of speaking to clients and friends which gave them comfort in knowing that everything would be alright. He also had a bulldog side about him, but artistically managed to do it in the nicest fashion he could, which prompted opposing parties to agree with his side of the story more often than not. However, the most special thing about Randy was his character and infectious personality. Aside from the office, he was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer, and traveler. He ran his famous “Vamoose” boat in the SKA Pro Circuit where he traveled around the southeast and placed in multiple tournaments. His favorite tournament was always Nationals in Biloxi, MS, where we all know his focus was split between bringing in the biggest fish and spending the other half of his time in the casino playing blackjack and craps. As he transitioned from fishing, he became an avid golfer and excelled quickly. As a long time member of San Jose County Club, Randy won the Nick’s Cup in 2016 with teammate and great friend Bobby Jordan. In that same year, Randy also won San Jose’s coveted Member-Guest tournament with Clayton Kirkmeyer. He was competitive, but more importantly just an absolute joy to be around. Everyone seemed to know Randy and everyone had a great “story” to tell about him. He was the life of the party and he will truly be missed. Randy was more than a great attorney, he was a father, a husband, a brother, a grandfather ( Big Daddy), a friend, and a mentor to many.

Randy’s father (Al Crabtree), mother (Winkie Crabtree), and sister (Cathy Crabtree) preceded him in death. His joyful life will be forever cherished in the lives of his wife, Phyllis Crabtree; children, Chris Crabtree (Dani Denay Boles) and Ali Crabtree Chastain (Kevin); stepchildren, Deanna Higdon; grandchildren, Layla Chastain, Rylan Higdon, and Gunnar Higdon; sister and brother, Connie Crabtree Wiggins (Tom) and Chip Crabtree (Lori); two special men he loved like brothers, ( Howard Coker and David Green); and his countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends and well-wishers from 5-7pm on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at The Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel located at 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville Florida 32207. A Celebration of Randy’s Life will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 11:00am at The Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel. To honor Randy and his love of golf, please wear your golf shirt. No ties or suits please In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Community Hospice of NE Florida or your favorite charity.

Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.