William Jesse “Jess” Crisp, age 70, of Oak City, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022.
Jess was born on October 3, 1952 to Melvin and Martha Edna Bennett Crisp of Oak City. After graduating from North Carolina State University, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Copeland and they had two children. Jess constantly reminded Helen how lucky she was because she was the only woman married to him. He was a proprietor, an entrepreneur, the Eastern Regional Manager of DE-Chem, LLC, and a proud co-owner of Harris-Crisp Specialty Equipment and Goose Nest Supply. Jess was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Oak City Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a golfer with a collection of putters that he claimed none of which seemed to work. He was a prankster, a lover of Motown music, history, and chocolate, a loyal Wolfpack fan, professional tailgater and a woodworker making cherished family heirlooms like cherry wood cradles for his grandchildren. Most importantly, Jess was a devoted husband, loving Daddy, doting Pop and a dear friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Jess is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Helen; a daughter, Elizabeth Crisp Burton and her husband Eric of Wake Forest; a son, Sam Crisp and his wife Kelly of Raleigh; three grandchildren, Cole and Addie Burton and Carson Marie Crisp: a sister, Sue Etheridge and her husband Jim of Elon; and a brother, Bucky Crisp and his wife Lynn of Oak City.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 7:00-8:30 PM at Oak City Baptist Church.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Oak City Baptist Church, with Rev. Lyle Brackin and Rev. Louis Cook officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Oak City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oak City Baptist Church, PO Box 39, Oak City, NC 27857 or online by clicking here.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel in Scotland Neck is handling the arrangements for the Crisp family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting letchworthsykesfs.com.
I just heard about this today. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to pay my respects.
Prayers to you all. Mrs Helen I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
So sorry to hear about your loss. May God be with the family during this time and always.
Helen, our hearts go out to you and your family. We were shocked and deeply sadden over his passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Wade loved talking to Jess, he was so so interesting and quite a character, much love and prayers.
Ann and Wade
Our family LOVED Jess! We hold many treasured memories of Jess from high school, into college, and throughout our adult lives. We’ve experienced the joys of our weddings and the births of our children and grandchildren and the loss of some very special loved ones. My adult sons agreed yesterday they had never seen Jess without a smile and a chuckle. Jess and Helen spent time with the Beale/Eppes families at Avon and the whole crew had a blast deep sea fishing together. Jess was certainly loved and adored by my family and will be dearly missed. Much love to you Helen and to Elizabeth, Sam and the rest of your family.
Jess was a kind, loving & funny man. It was always a highlight of my day to hug his neck & chat with him at family gatherings. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Jess had many friends and I counted it an honor to be one of them. I always loved to see his smiling face. You had to wonder what he was up to. I miss you Jess. Thank God I will see you again.