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Christopher Lawrence Crenshaw, 82, of Atlanta, Georgia passed away on February 8, 2022. He was the son of Frederick and Christine (Dear) Crenshaw.
Chris was born in Escambia County, FL on February 3, 1940, and was raised in Pensacola, FL. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, and Washington Junior College in Pensacola, FL; and earned an undergraduate degree at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL.
After graduating, Chris became a teacher in Pensacola, and went on to pursue a career in the insurance industry, first working for Metropolitan Life. Years later, Chris moved his family to Atlanta, GA where he became one of the first black independent agents for State Farm Insurance in the state. He operated his State Farm agency for over 30 years; in addition to owning and operating several businesses; including restaurants Southwest Seafood and Q-Time; the latter of which is still in operation today.
Chris was an avid philanthropist and was very involved in fundraising and active in various community organizations in southwest Atlanta. He was an active alumnus of FAMU AND Booker T. Washington High School; and was also very active in his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha.
He married Gloria Peoples in 1965, who preceded him in death. The couple moved to Atlanta, GA in 1970 and raised three children. In 1996, Chris and Ashley Danzy welcomed a son. And in 1998, he married Shirley Langley.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frederick Jr. and sister-in-law Phyllis.
He is survived by two daughters, Trevor Payton (Terrence) and Christy; son, Quillen and stepson Marc Reeves (Sonia); grandchildren Tonia, Ovida, Marc II, Brittany, Chase, Bryce, Kendall, MacKenzie, Roman, and Carsyn; great-grandchildren, Rita, Ryane, Ezekiel, Ari, Keon, Noa, Santana and Ezelle; sisters Johnetta Colston and Carolyn (Johnnie) Stallworth of Pensacola, FL and Priscilla Phillips; brothers Herbert, Walter (Gloria), Wendell of Charlotte, NC, Patrick (Sylvia) and Michael (Linda) Crenshaw; and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends.
Cremation has been completed; and a memorial service and celebration of life for Chris Crenshaw will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Victory Church, 5985 Financial Dr., Norcross, GA 30071.
The service will also be simulcasted live for those who are unable to attend in person. Please access the virtual service via the following link: https://victoryatl.zoom.us/j/93214225397
Yvonne Tompkins says
CHRIS FAMILY….THE LORD JESUS CHRIST SAID I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU DECLARES THE LORD JESUS CHRIST PROMISED PLANS FOR YOU TO PROSPER AND NOT TO HARM YOU PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND FOR YOUR FUTURE JEREMIAH 29:11 YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED I. OUR 💕 HEARTS…..
CHRIS LOVED THAT SCRIPTURE…
REV. DR. YVON NE SHAW
Eric Colston says
One of my mentors and an excellent source of knowledge and strength. I’ll always take to heart everything I learned from him and miss the times we had together. I love you and always will!! R I P!
Carolyn Mitchell says
My condolences to a loving family!!!! I moved to Atlanta in 1998 that’s when I met Chris. I will miss Chris I grew very fund of , I know his brother Eric ( Keith) met him in Charlotte meeting Chris through him , I also worked for Chris at Q-Time, the rest of his family. Chris was a loving person we joked, he use to love to hear me laugh, May God continue to bless the family in times like these !!! Love all of you BV 🙌🙌🙌
Gwen Gulley says
Chris is truly a gentleman in every area of MANHOOD. He operated in life with the upmost integrity, honesty, patience, wit and charm. He is a big brother to me, as our families, (Gulley) became one, during my childhood in Pensacola. His mother, DEAR, was my mom’s best friend. She did an Awesome job raising this man. I love all of the Crenshaw family and he will be missed. I send love, peace and condolences from Gwen Gulley and family.
Shelley Evans says
Mr C I will always remember those dimples and smile. Thanks for my opportunity at QTime as Chef Shelley. Forever in r hearts U will be truly missed. Rest Easy Mr. C I Love u
Teresa Jones says
Chris, you were truly one of my favorite brother-in-laws. You were so instrumental in helping me get established, when I moved to Georgia. Thank you for everything! You will truly be missed. Gone but never forgotten. My sincere condolences to the entire Crenshaw family.
Eugenia Harvey says
I didn’t know Mr. Crenshaw personally, but I know his wonderful daughter Trevor and her beautiful family. What a legacy! They reflect his intelligence and wisdom.
May God comfort you all as you pass through this journey of grief.
Harold baldwin says
My adopted brother for forty plus years i will never forget u rest in heaven u have been true friend the lord welcome u home much love
Katie, Ronald and Annette Bell says
To the family,
Our condolences for the loss of our cousin, Chris. We remember his presence at our Five Star Family Reunions. May you be comforted by our Lord and Saviour, and may Chris have eternal peace. God bless!
Norma Joy Barnes says
Chris Crenshaw was a true “Champion of Hope”. As a mentor and benefactor of the Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta, he helped us to lift up and empower young men of color for close to fourteen years. Chris was a gentle giant. He was humble, yet strong, quiet yet bold, and practical yet generous. I will miss him being here with us, but will always hold his spirit in my heart.
With Deepest Condolences,
Norma Joy Barnes
CEO, Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta
Arthur Ratliff says
Chis, you have done so much for me and your fellow agents at State Farm. We were successful because of your support. You were always available always there. You left a clear trail for us to follow.
Veronica Adadevoh says
To Chris Crenshaw Family
Chris leaves Much for You to be Proud of. He lived His Life with PURPOSE. Always, Mindful of People. His Impact continues to effect many. He loved his Family and Friends. He Legacy Lives On. You have A lot to be Thankful for. I Thank God for the Beautiful Beautiful Experience of knowing Him as A Friend.
Katie Harris says
Chris was my friend . He was a great listener and had a great sense of humor that everyone doesn’t get to see. He had an enormous heart and loved his family dearly I will miss him but his legacy will live on in his children and the great works he did especially in his beloved South West ATL….RIP my friend …see you later 🙏🏽Save me some of that world famous peach 🍑 cobbler!
Sister DeBorah Williams says
#praisetheLord😇 with deepest sympathy to my beloved Crenshaw and Q-Time restaurant family .. Chris my best man friend ever for 30 years ” Help is a gift from God” I prayed for help God sent me Chris he helped me do everything, he would help you! I saw him help strangers too . Helping people was his calling to fulfill I saw him engaged ALL his power to do His Masters Will . Well done good and faithful servant, rest in peace One Love ❤️
Karen Jackson says
It is with my deepest condolences to the Crenshaw family. Chris was a matriarch of the family and will be missed.I look forward to seeing you all today. With love the Colley and Jackson family
Charise Ridley-Villalobos says
It is with great sorrow and sympathy that I extend condolences to the family. Chris was not only my boss, but my friend. He was always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. He taught me everything I know about the insurance business., and I could always go to him for advice.
Chris will be greatly missed. He is another soldier gone home! Rest In Peace Soldier!
Charise Ridley-Villalobos and family
Biah Buchongo says
We are all blessed to have known Chris in various capacities. He is my 2nd cousin and mainly knew him through my mom who is his first cousin. There was always positive energy in the few encounters that I was blessed to have with him. I wish I could have gotten to know him better!
Journey well Esteemed Elder ❤️🌹
Roman Banks says
you can watch the rest of the service here!
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75839300531?pwd=3sdKp9w6biDfpXB-qAFJ5-f4HpMfnx.1
Roman Banks says
you can watch the rest of the service here! https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75839300531?pwd=3sdKp9w6biDfpXB-qAFJ5-f4HpMfnx.1
Eric "Damani" Davis says
It was a pleasure meeting and knowing you for the years our acquaintenance lasted. You were one of my clients, and I was one of your clients. We exchanged images and information on social media. You always appeared to be a peaceful man. I will miss seeing you when I dine at Q-Time.
Have a great journey to the ancestors. God only wants the best.
Eric “Damani” Davis
Terry Ross says
Sending condolences and prayers to the Crenshaw family. Chris was a stabilizing force in the West End. Terry Ross, West End Merchants Coalition
Carolyn Gulley Morgan says
To the Crenshaw Family. My deepest condolences to all of the family of Chris. I have known Chris since I was a little girl and I thought he was a Very Proud and Noble Gentleman always showing respect and Pride. He will be missed by all who encountered him. May God rest his Soul and bring Comfort to his family. Love and Peace. 🥰💯