James Theodore “Ted” Crabtree was born and reared in Macon, MS. He was a graduate of Salem Agriculture High School. Upon graduation, Ted joined the United States Navy for two years and later joined the United States Army National Guard where he was soon called to service during World War II as a supply sergeant.
He was married to Patricia Ming in 1949 and started the Crabtree Dairy in the Salem Community, which he ran until 1972. He then took a position with the Mississippi Forestry Commission where he dedicated thirty-two years of service before his retirement.
He was married to Mary Patterson in 1980. The two of them enjoyed thirty-nine years of marriage before her death in March of 2019.
Ted enjoyed working and fishing– mainly on Hashuqua Creek and the Noxubee River. He will be fondly remembered as a simple country man who always chose his words with care.
Ted is survived by four daughters Debbie (Randy) Stapleton and Diane Tiffin both of Macon, MS. Christie (Richard) Mullins of Guntown, MS. Helen (Claude) Richardson of Louisville, MS and one son Rusty (Kathy) Crabtree of Vancleave, MS. Ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two sons: Teddy Parks Crabtree and Kenneth Allan Crabtree, three brothers, two wives, and one son-in-law.