The Legacy

Willie Hood Crenshaw was born on June 6, 1940, in Greenville, Alabama, to the late Henry Crenshaw and Willie Belle McKee. His mother, Willie Belle, passed away when he was just three years old. Being an only child he was raised by his late grandmother, Florence Williams.

Willie spent all of his adult life in Lakeland, Florida after moving from Alabama. He became employed with the company Owens-Illinois where he was a Forklift operator for over 40 years and from were he served loyally and retired. Most who knew Willie well, knew that as a young man and well into his adult life he prided himself on the way he dressed. He was easily considered one of the best dressed men around, always sharp and coordinated with every outfit he would wear. He didn’t have many hobbies, but the few things he took passion in, he was very serious about, spending many hours indulging in them.

It became clear that he loved repairing and working on his collection of cars. Among his collection was a drop top Mercedes Benz and a Chevrolet Corvette that he cherished dearly. Willie would relentlessly work on those cars day and night. He also had a real love for his motorcycle. Willie was considered more of a person to stay at home, he really enjoyed watching television with his love of westerns shows with Clint Eastwood being his favorite western actor. He was truly fond of his grandchildren who he would often talk about, but all who knew him understood that deep in his heart he was close and immensely loved his entire family.

On August 16, 2024, Willie passed away surrounded by his family. He is survive by his wife, Patricia Crenshaw, and his children: Tony Crenshaw, Felescia Rena Crenshaw, Eric foster (Sarita), Cookie Crenshaw Curry, Gwendolyn Crenshaw Maultsby (Alvin), Willie Crenshaw, Jr., Kiwii Crenshaw, Patrick Crenshaw, Kenyatta Greathouse, Keith Williams, Drey Teal, Natalie Payne, 37 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and extended family members.