"Buddy" Cribb

Warren H. "Buddy" Cribb, a true man of God, went home to heaven on September 1, his loving family at his side.   Buddy was born December 13, 1931 in Savannah.  His life included many interesting twists:  he was a manager for REA Express which involved living in Florida for many years but dabbled in professional wrestling, private investigating and even played semi-pro football with the short lived Savannah Indians.  He was a member of the Cobra Club.   After retirement, he was able to follow his true vocation and work with the church. He was song leader before becoming pastor at Calvary Assembly of God and Central Assembly of God.  Buddy was a Presbyter of the Savannah District of Assembly of God as well as leader of the Georgia District Senior Council which meets yearly in Toccoa.   In between this, he and Betty spent time in Israel working with his daughter, Margaret, and her husband, Ross Byars, in their ministry to the Arabs.  Buddy even ran the Torch, a Christian bookstore in Jerusalem, while Ross's sister and husband went on sabbatical.  No matter where his road led him, Buddy had the Lord at his side always and treated everyone he met with love and respect.....and laughter!  Buddy's ministry was far flung and his love of God spread to all he met.  Many of his parishioners compared themselves to a flock and Buddy as their loving shepherd.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy and Elmer Cribb. His life is celebrated by his wife of  68 years, Betty Winders Cribb, daughter Margaret Mary Byars (Ross), son, Warren Cribb,Jr (Jean), daughter, Debra Lee (Lannie III);  grandchildren:, Shireen Byars Briegel (Steve),  Rebecca  Byars Davis (Shane), Philip Byars (Shireen), Christy Cribb Newman (Clark), Jennifer Cribb Moore (Barry), Lamar Lee IV (Lisa), and Christopher Lee;  great-grandchildren  Cailey Newman, Layth and Adam Byars, Sarah, Taylor, and Porter Styles, Olivia Briegel, Colby, Malachi, and Nadia Davis,  Lexi and Brooklyn Moore;   his sister, Faith Newman;  numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins and all whose lives he touched.  Buddy's last advice to his children was not to hold grudges, wonderful advice for us all.  Some of his favorite bible passages dealt with joy and he leaves an inspiring challenge:  Love God and man, don't hold a grudge, enjoy life and spread joy!

Thanks to Hospice Savannah, family, friends, fellow pastors, and church members for the love, comfort, and prayers you have bestowed on Buddy.

There will be a celebration of Buddy's life on Tuesday, September 4, at Radiant Life Church on Skidaway Road.  Visitation will be from 6pm to 7pm ;  from 7pm to 9 pm, anyone who wishes to share a short memory or tribute to Buddy is welcome to do so.  Funeral service will be Wednesday, September 5, at Radiant Life at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Buddy's true ministry:  The Center for Proactiv Peace Making, Inc., CPPI, 608 Beauregard St., Savannah, Ga. 31405.

Baker McCullough Funeral Home - Hubert C. Baker Chapel has been entrusted with the services.