Kemper "Ricky" Rixey Crane, Jr.

Kemper “Ricky” Rixey Crane, Jr. of Orange, Virginia, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 17, 2026.

Born on November 9, 1950, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Ricky was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend whose life was deeply rooted in his family and community.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Kemper Rixey Crane, Sr. and Elva Virginia Crane; his sister, Janet May Kestner; his son, Casey, and daughter, Rachel.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Katherine Ann Crane, and his children Brian Crane and his wife Kendra and their children Addison and Keaton; Corey Crane and his wife Meredith and their children Carter and Ella; Caroline Crane and her husband Jacob and their son Gabriel; and Michelle Lamb and her fiancé Daniel Cave and her children Ashley, William, and Kaidyn.

He is also survived by his nephew Mark Kestner and his wife Rebekah and their daughters Vivian, Carrie, and Lilah, and numerous great-grandchildren and extended family members.

As a local businessman, Ricky ran a successful chain of movie rental stores in Gordonsville, Orange, and Greene as well as a sports trading card shop in the town of Orange.

For many years, Ricky organized and ran the Christmas Shopping Tour and the Toys for Tots and Teens drive that served underprivileged children and families living in Orange County through the Jaycees and Kiwanis. In 1984, he received a Lifetime Membership in the Virginia Jaycees, and in 1994 he received the Public Service Award from the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

Through his businesses and selfless service to his community, Ricky formed lasting friendships and truly touched the lives of others in a meaningful way. He will be remembered for the life he shared with those who loved him and for the many memories he leaves behind. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Preddy Funeral Home in Orange, Virginia. A private family service will be held at Preddy Funeral Home with a reception following at Orange Baptist Church in the Pine Room.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Love Outreach Food Pantry and the Boys and Girls Club of Orange.