John Word Crabbe

John Word Crabbe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died peacefully in his sleep on August 17, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was 80.

John was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 8, 1946, to Benjamin F. Crabbe Jr. (Big Dad) and Martha D. Brazeal (Mom Billie). He was something of a surprise and a gift to his family, arriving 18 years after his brother Benjamin F. Crabbe III and 16 years after his sister Martha (Crabbe) McLean. His family soon settled in Orlando, Florida, where John grew up and attended Boone High School, from which he graduated in 1964.

John then went to Auburn University, which became one of the defining threads of his life. That’s where he began dating the woman who would become his wife, Barbara, affectionately known by all as ‘Muffett.’ John graduated from Auburn in 1968. His standard greeting was “War Eagle,” and any Auburn sporting event could provide hours of conversation.

After college, John served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, stationed at the Pentagon. His military service brought John and Barbara to Northern Virginia, where they settled in Fairfax and raised their family.

John spent his entire professional career at SAIC. He began there as a librarian and eventually became a senior proposal manager, building a career characterized by the same qualities that defined his personal life: reliability, intelligence, curiosity, and a willingness to help others.

But John's greatest accomplishments were not found on a résumé. They were measured in friendships.

He was exceptionally loyal. The friends he made at 10 were the same he had at 80. His elementary-school friendships continued through college and beyond, and his fraternity brothers from Delta Upsilon remained an important part of his life. They will remember a man who welcomed people into his home and into his life, who offered sage advice to friends and strangers alike, and who made his children's friends feel like they belonged to the family.

John loved golf, racquetball, travel, reading the Washington Post, and, naturally, Auburn sports. He was a devoted fan of the Washington Commanders and Washington Nationals, and had a particular appreciation for Cal Ripken Jr. He loved Linda Ronstadt, steak, peanuts, and bourbon—at which he was exceptionally proficient. He loved to travel and was proud to have visited all 50 states.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Barbara B. Crabbe; his children, Robert (Sara) Crabbe, Alan (Carrington) Crabbe, Barbara E. Crabbe of Fairfax, VA; and his cherished grandchildren Henry W. Crabbe, Lila A. Crabbe, Brindley E. Crabbe, and Hayden J. Crabbe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin F. Crabbe Jr. and Martha D. Brazeal and his siblings, Benjamin F. Crabbe III and his sister Martha D. (Crabbe) McLean.

The celebration of life service will be held at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 8617 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003, on Friday October 9, 2026, officiated by Pastor Gordon Pruitt, with a reception to follow. Burial with military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a not yet determined date.

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, Virginia is honored to serve the Crabbe family.