Gregory Bennett Crisp

Gregory Bennett Crisp, 53, of Cullowhee, received his ultimate Victory in Jesus on the evening of August 3, 2024, with his faithful companion Ellie Mae (his dog) by his side as he took his last breath on this side of eternity. Greg and Ellie had spent the day in the woods doing what they both enjoyed most - scouting for deer sign. 

Greg was a painter by profession and an artist by nature. As his lifelong friend Clay Nations recently described him, “Greg was a Christian, a hunter, a painter, a musician, a father, a husband, a son, and a brother.” He loved his wife and children with every fiber of his being.

To know Greg was to know what “horse laughing” truly means. His laugh was infectious and unforgettable. If he called you a Biscuit Head, Goober, or Old Codger, you were his people and he loved you dearly. 

Greg was preceded in death by Jesse Frank Bryson, whom he loved like one of his own children, and Jim “Ole Pricey” Price, his long-time hunting buddy. 

Greg is survived by the love of his life for more than 30 years, his wife, Rayna Parris Crisp; his father Bennett Archibald Crisp; his mother Wanda Carringer Martin (Ken); one son, Trevor Ryan Crisp (Israel); one daughter, Alyssa RayAnn Crisp; one sister, Tammy Mattox (Jerry); one bonus brother, Randy Parris (Tammy); his mother-in-law, Carolyn “Mamaw” Parris; one grandson, Zander, who loved nothing more than going to the woods with “Craig.”; one niece, Vickie Hensley (Amy); two nephews, Keith Parris (Keisha) and Rider Mattox; and numerous friends of his children who he loved and kept laughing, including but not limited to Michael Harley, Haize Moore, and Lillian Rhoads 

When Greg friended you, it was for life, as Clay Nations, David Maney, Jamie Bradley, Paul Cabe, Stacey Coggins, Jeff Powell, Larry Coggins, Jerry Frandy, Mark “Stonewall,” Chris Ray, Charlie Trantham, Dale Wike, Rod Colton, Keith Parris, and countless others can attest. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Stable Life at the Barn at 138 Old Mater Farm Road in Sylva at 1:00 on Saturday, August 10th. His family hopes that those in attendance who feel so inclined will share their favorite “Greg Stories.” How he witnessed to you about his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, how he lifted you up and encouraged you or how he made you laugh until your face hurt. We know Greg could make you bust a gut laughing at the most inappropriate times…it was part of his charm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to Oasis Recovery Center of Asheville.