Gregory Crabtree

Gregory “Greg” Scott Crabtree, Sr

Gregory Scott Crabtree, 69, of Centerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family after a long illness on June 3, 2025. He was the son of the late Vernon Crabtree and late Ireta June (Maynard) Crabtree. 

Greg was born in Portsmouth, Ohio but spent most of his childhood in Joliet, Illinois. He was a 1974 graduate of Joliet East High School. He pursued a career in construction and later worked in high-level project management in the industrial construction field until he was called into the Ministry. Greg completed his pastoral studies at Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio in 2008. He began his discipleship as Associate Pastor at Centerville United Methodist Church where he was active in Kairos and Emmaus Ministries, then served as Pastor at New Morefield United Methodist Church and Boulesville United Methodist Church where he retired in 2023. 

He was a Founder of the non-profit organization, T.J.’s Place of Hope, which has served and empowered thousands of young people over the years. Greg was known to be a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. He loved cooking, playing his guitar and golf, leading Youth Ministries and telling stories of his travels. Always on long walks with his trusted Pug companion, Pepper, Greg loved meeting new people and left an impact on many through chance encounters. 

He is survived by: his devoted wife of 27 years, Cheryl Ann (Jack) Crabtree, sons, Randell “Lee” Crabtree and Gregory Scott “Scotty” Crabtree Jr., and William Gage and (Joni) Whitehead; grandchildren, Hadley and Camden Whitehead, Reed and Josh Crabtree; siblings, Stephen Dale (Lisa) Crabtree, Glynn Mary (Bob) Hullett, Robin Gail (Jeff) Wright, and Tammy Crabtree; and numerous other extended family members. He was preceded in death by son, Thomas David “T.J.” Whitehead, Jr. 

The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to all those who kept Greg, Cheryl, Scotty, Gage, and the entire family in their thoughts, prayers, and care during the many years of both joyful and challenging times. The abundance of loving support provided over the years has been a true blessing. In lieu of flowers, and to continue Greg’s legacy, donations can be made to T.J.’s Place of Hope, PO BOX 750964, Centerville, OH 45475. 

Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, June 20, 2025, at Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Rd., Kettering, OH 45440. A service will immediately follow with Pastor Wayne Botkin and Greg’s longtime friend Ken Roosa officiating. Beloved family friend Ashlyn Blatz to also speak. A vehicle procession to T.J.’s Place of Hope will immediately follow the service for fellowship there and a special balloon release in honor of Greg. Online condolences may be expressed at westbrockfuneralhome.com.