MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, December 28, 2023 Time: 1:00 PM The Greater Hayes Grove Baptist Church, 1851 Union Level Road, South Hill, VA 23970 Rev. Dr. Osa Dowdy, Pastor/Presiding Rev. Dr. Bryan E. Crute, Eulogist

KEVIN ANDRE CRUTE was born January 23, 1966 in South Hill, VA and made his heavenly transition on Monday, December 18, 2023 in Woodstock, GA.

He was the son of the late Reverend James E. Crute and Mrs. Gloria C. Crute. He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at The Greater Hayes Grove Baptist Church in South Hill, VA.

Kevin, a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle, nephew and friend, was a gentle giant…huge in stature but even greater in presence.

As a graduate of Park View Senior High School, Class of '84, he was not only known for his academic achievements but also celebrated as an accomplished athlete in the hearts of his classmates.

Upon graduation, he matriculated to Virginia State University where he served as a member of the VSU Gospel Ensemble, VSU Big Brothers Big Sisters, and New Generation Campus Ministries. In 1987, Kevin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education.

Following in his mother’s footsteps of assisting students in achieving their academic endeavors, he later joined the Greater Triangle Area Chapter of VSU Alumni Association.

For the greater part of his life, Kevin lived in Marietta, Georgia and worked in the Financial Services industry.

Kevin was generous in nature and always found a way to meet the needs of others irrespective of the personal sacrifices.

His commitment was evident as he supported his children, their peers and his community as a youth football, basketball and soccer coach. He actively coached every game he attended and even when he wasn’t coaching, he was a supportive presence.

Kevin never met a stranger, always building community and connections with everyone he came in contact with. His smile carried joy and laughter into every room.

He was a huge jokester and our own family comedian. We still remember his infectious laugh and the prank calls he always made to our Father at the barber shop as he tried to convince dad he was “Joe” from Joe’s Pool Hall.

Kevin was a lover of music. He often spent long car rides teaching his children how to find harmonies and blend to major groups such as Boyz II Men, Commissioned, and The Winans.

He was also a true die-hard fan of the five-time Super Bowl Champion Dallas Cowboys!

Kevin was preceded in death by his father and mother, Reverend James E. Crute and Mrs. Gloria C. Crute. He is survived by his 3 children: Adiyah (Elijah) Bell, Michael (Justin) Crute, Kendall (Brooklyn) Crute. His siblings: Winona (Beverly) Finley, Bryan (Angela) Crute, Fran Crute, Aaron (Quianna) Crute. His grandchildren: Laiyah Bell, Bailee Bell, Kyrie Bell and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.