Obituary

Earl Crenshaw passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 at the age of 100. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, boxer, craftsman, and inspiration to many. Earl was loved by all and will be remembered for his kind heart, warm smile, and gentle spirit. He loved to dance to soca, reggae, and calypso music, enjoyed Caribbean food, and was an avid fan of professional wrestling. But his true passion was boxing, a sport that reflected his discipline, determination, and strength. In his younger years he was known for his remarkable strength and could even rip a phone book in half. Earl also believed deeply in helping others and would often give his last dollar if it meant being a blessing to someone in need. In his later years, his strength and character remained his signature.  

Born in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Earl grew up enduring the years of the Great Depression, an experience that helped shape the resilience, discipline, and strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of W.E.B. Du Bois High School and grew up attending Olive Branch Baptist Church in Wake Forest. Earl later answered the call to join the United States Army, where he served honorably during World War II and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal.

Following his military service, Earl built a life defined by hard work, resilience, and versatility. His unique ability to quickly adapt and focus allowed him to work across many fields. Over the years he served in many roles including a strongman, handyman, caretaker, bricklayer, boxer, construction contractor, tow truck driver, school bus driver, real estate and later principal operator at Crenshaw Travel and Services, alongside his wife Cynthia.

Earl had a natural gift for designing, building, and solving problems, often engineering solutions to bring ideas to life. He’d take an idea, design it on paper, acquire the materials, and build countless projects including furniture, exercise equipment, patios, decks, and even full home renovations. Earl also loved to travel, exploring more than 25 countries around the world. His travels took us from attending bullfights in Spain and Acapulco, to exploring the pyramids of Egypt, to going on safari in Kenya, visiting Christ the Redeemer and flying kites on Copacabana Beach in Brazil.

When not working on projects or traveling, he was a strong presence at family, business, and cultural events. He loved playing dominoes, family feud, and being with his grand kids. Earl was also a lifetime benefactor of the W.E.B. Du Bois Alumni Association, helping preserve the grounds and legacy of the historic institution. He was also one of the last remaining centurions of the Grant-Cargill and Kearney-Crenshaw families.

Earl was predeceased by his parents Walter Crenshaw and Betty Kearney, and by 7 siblings: Walter, Toby, Robert, George, Charles, Buchanan, and sister Margaret (Jessie). 

He is survived by his sons Charles “Tony” Crenshaw, Earl “Junior” Crenshaw (Donna), and Ambrose “Tangy” Crenshaw (Nicole); his granddaughters Nylah Crenshaw, Alona Blackwood (Davayne), and Elise Crenshaw; his sister Sylvia Stallings (Chester); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives he touched over many decades.