In Memory of Harry Emory Crede (1932-2021)

Above: Harry with Stihl chainsaws at Crede Tractor

It is never easy to say goodbye to someone in our community, especially when they have touched the lives of so many. Harry Crede was a leader and had the business vision to step out and open his own tractor store in 1963. He understood ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. His son, Billy Crede, said, “Dad always stressed to be honest and he instilled that value in all of us kids.” Billy carries on Harry’s family legend as the owner of Crede’s Tractor at Big Chimney (Pennsylvania Avenue). “I always try to be fair and honest with all of our customers, never forgetting my dad’s sound advice.”

This month we mourn his loss, but celebrate the many gifts of wisdom and genuine kindness he extended to all of us on the Elk River.

Harry Crede featured with a Power King tractor

Obituary of Harry Emory Crede Compliments of Hafer Funeral Home, Elkview, WV

Harry Emory Crede, 88, of Big Chimney, WV, passed peacefully on April 1, 2021 surrounded by his loving family at CAMC Memorial when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, wife, and family after a courageous battle.

Harry was born in Charleston, WV to Harry and Christine Wiersteiner Crede on April 23, 1932, and he was the fifth of nine children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years Carma Lee Withrow; siblings Thelma Minnig, Genevieve Sweeney, Mary Ann Evans, Jane Gower, John Crede and Dolores Buhl.

Harry is survived by his loving sisters Mildred Minnig and Midge Butler. He truly loved spending time with his five children: Garry (Dana), William”Billy” (Connie), Robin Crede Long, Dennis (Becky) & Kevin (Rhonda), thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Harry was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to many people in the community. He was courageous, hard-working and had a generous heart that touched many lives with his presence. He was a member of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, Elks Lodge #202, and the Kanawha Masonic Lodge #20. He was active up to the end with running his bulldozer and weekly card games with his buddies.

As for his accomplishments, he graduated from Charleston Catholic High School, worked a year as a blacksmith’s apprentice, served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Carrier, a destroyer escort during the Korean War, attended Inter-Communications Electricians School in San Diego, worked for AT&T for 15 years, founded Crede Tractor Sales in 1963, awarded the silver Theodore N. Vail Medal Award by AT&T in 1968 for saving a man’s life from the Elk River, received an Honorary Degree from the University of Hard Knocks in 2004, and created Crede’s Corner in Elkview, WV.

Harry and his wife, Carma, traveled extensively throughout their lives, seeing different parts of the world, RV camping, boating, golfing, 4-wheeling, land developing, playing cards, frogging, hunting, riding horses and taking care of his barn critters. Also, he was a true Mountaineer for over 20 years, attending games across the United States in his RV.

Visitation was held at Hafer Funeral Home, Elkview, and A Mass of Christian burial, officiated by Father Tijo George, was held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Charleston. Burial was in Elk Hills Memorial Park, Big Chimney, WV.

Harry Crede with his wife, Carma