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Arthur Crisp Obituary

Arthur Elton Crisp, Sr. JAMES ISLAND - Arthur Elton Crisp. Sr., 88, a great gentleman, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and self-made businessman, died in his sleep early Friday morning June 12, 2009. Kindhearted and gracious, Arthur was known for his sense of style. But mostly, he will be remembered because of the love he shared for his faith, family and friends. Arthur grew up in Hassell, a small town in eastern North Carolina. A child of the Depression, he watched his father lose his farm and small mercantile store. He worked hard, mending fence post and pruning forest with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Then in 1940 he moved to Charleston with just $20 in his pocket and a job with the Charleston Naval Shipyard as a welder. A short time later, he met and married his beloved "Lib", Elizabeth Weeks of St George, SC, and founded Southern Chemical Products, a janitorial supply company. Because of his business' success, Arthur was appointed a commissioner to County Hall which was one of the many blessings of his life. Arthur soon began a promotions / production business, working with the top country-western and rock & roll artists of the time. He set up concerts through the Southeast, guiding such musicians as Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash and Jerry Lewis. He worked with Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and others. In 1956, he brought Elvis Presley to Charleston for two shows at the old County Hall and College Park venues. He remembered that Elvis ended one of the shows with "Hound Dog," speeding off in a Cadillac as hundreds of giddy teenage girls gave chase, scooping the dirt left by the car's tire tracks as souvenirs. He also started another family business, Professional Carpet Sales and Interiors, working tirelessly until he was 79. More than anything, Arthur enjoyed spending time with his family, going on trips and vacations and visiting the family's Lake House on Lake Marion. He loved his wife so much. She preceded him in death in 2001, and Arthur greatly looked forward to their reunion in Heaven. He also deeply missed his only son, Artie Jr., who died in 2005. Arthur was a member of the Omar Shrine and Union Kilwinning # 4 Masonic Lodge for over fifty years, as well as, serving on the board of directors for the USO. He was a gracious contributor to several charities. He attended Fort Johnson Baptist Church, serving in several capacities. He often spoke of the many gifts God had given him, quoting Scripture. One of his favorite verses is from the Book of Psalms: "Cast your care upon the Lord, who will give you support." Arthur was much loved, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by two daughters Donna Crisp Sumner of James Island and Deborah Crisp Coon and her husband Michael of Charleston and Daughter in Law Robin Thompkins Crisp of James Island; six grandchildren Kristi Sumner Nelson and her husband Zach of Wadmalaw Island and Courtney Sumner Smith and her husband Mike of Charleston, Ashley Elizabeth Coon and Christopher Michael Coon both of Charleston, Arthur Elton Crisp III and Robert Joseph Crisp both of James Island; Great Grandchildren Michael Coleman Smith and Camden Elizabeth Smith and Zachary Elliot Nelson and Samuel Parker Nelson. He was Predeceased in death by his wife Elizabeth Weeks Crisp and a son Arthur Elton Crisp Jr. The relatives and friends of Arthur E. Crisp Sr. are invited to attend his funeral service on Tuesday June 16, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. at Ft. Johnson Baptist Church, Camp Rd, James Island. Burial to follow at Carolina Memorial Park. Family will receive friends immediately following the committal services at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to M.U.S.C. Children's Hospital 171 Ashley Ave Charleston, SC 29425 or to The American Cancer Society 5900 Core Rd. N. Charleston Sc 29406. Funeral services provided by CAROLINA MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Jun. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Crisp

Not sure what to say?





Vic Williams

July 26, 2009

Our sincere sympathy in the passing of your father. I met him only a couple of times, when I was young at Aunt Gertrude and Uncle Bill Crisp's house. Another time, when we lived in Charleston. I remember him talking about NASCAR and going to the races. You are in our prayers.

Vic Williams
(Son of Margaret Ayers, Aunt Gertrude's sister)

Danielle Lupton

June 22, 2009

Please know that there will not be a day that goes by that I will not think of Arthur! He was such a sweet and caring man. He will truly be missed by many. I adored him and Brooke loved him so. I will miss him saying "Hey Beautiful!!" He was always so encouraging and happy! I am so thankful that I got to see him recently! Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers!!

June 20, 2009

Friday Nights will never be the same. We Love you Arthur.
Tami and Mary

DeDe Gatlin Tyler

June 18, 2009

Debbie and Family, I was saddened to hear the news of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family. May he rest in Peace.

Brenda Kelly

June 17, 2009

It was our honor and pleasure to have known Mr. Crisp. Our memories of him will last a lifetime. Please know that we care and ask God to comfort all of you.

Roper Cardiac Rehab

June 16, 2009

Debbie- I haven't seen you in years probably since Harbor View School days. I worked with both your father and Artie when I was at the Navy Yard. Artie was a great man and he learned from the best Arthur Sr. who always had a kind word for me.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lynn "Bold" St. Jean

Joanne Christopher

June 16, 2009

Debbie, Donna and Family,

How lucky you have been all of these years to have such a wonderful Father. I know that your memories of him and his great humor will last forever. I too feel very fortunate to call your Father a friend.

Remember that God is with you in your sorrow as he was with you in your joy. May your faith bring you comfort.

Sheryl Weathers

June 16, 2009

Deb and the entire Crisp family,

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I never met a finer man than your father. Such a sweet,sweet soul and what a charmer! Nobody could give a better hug than Arthur. What a man! I know your hearts are heavy now and I hope that so many precious memories will help sustain you. Know that I share your sorrow.
I love you,

Mitch Rubinstein

June 16, 2009

Mr. Crisp,
THANK YOU.
Thank you, because, well, you are you. As I think of you, I think wisdom. You always gave me the advise I needed...not just what I wanted to hear. You gave me unconditional friendship, which is very rare these days. And most of all, you gave me the privlidge of an endearing relationship with you and some of your family.
Donna, I can't tell you how many times your dad told me how much he appreciates all you do for him. You are an incredible daughter, mother,grandmother,caregiver, and friend. Bless you.

Mr. Crisp, you are loved by many people. You will be missed dearly and thought of often. Thank you and I love you.

Betty/Bobby Herbert

June 16, 2009

To the Family of Arthur Crisp: We send
our deepest sympathy. We were good friends to both Lib and Arthur and we will truly miss him. We know that he walks the streets of heaven with Artie,
Lib and that he is a happy man today.
He often talked to us about this and he
is at peace today. God be with the family he leaves behind and give you the peace and comfort he would want you all to have.
God Bless

June 15, 2009

To my friend, Mr. Arthur:

My dad and Arthur should have been adversaries - he owned Southern Chemical and my dad owned Charleston Chemical, but they were the best of friends, my, how the jokes and pranks they pulled on each other surprised us (sometimes scared us - we never knew if they were serious!!) They really enjoyed each other, and were not adversaries, but the very best of friends. Mr. Arthur always joked that, if i left my Dad's company and worked for him, he would buy me a Merecedes.

I kept in touch with Mr. Arthur, called him routinely. He was crushed by Artie's death, but now he is with him AND Mis Lib. He sure did love Miss Lib!

I know that he will be there to greet me when I leave this life, but, until then, I will miss him so much.

I love Mr. Arthur. Always have, and always will.

Ruth Whittington Mathias

Raymond Taylor

June 15, 2009

To the Crisp Family. Thanks for all the fishing memories. Arthur was truly a loving Christian man. I know he would want us all to continue spreading God's love & word. You are in my prayers. I know that we will meet on the beatiful shore that God is preparing for us right now.

Marie Price

June 15, 2009

Mr. Crisp was one of the sweetest and funniest men I knew. He always had a big hug to give that would almost sqeeze you in half. He was bigger than life and will be missed.

Don Hagan

June 15, 2009

I went to school with Artie and met Mr. Crisp several times. Mr. Crisp was a great man and will be missed.

Yvonne Kanapaux-Garrison

June 15, 2009

To the Coon Family,
My deepest condolences to all. I met Mr. Crisp when he was a customer of my late husbands landscape company and at Alpha Care, He was always had a kind word to say.
He is at peace, never losses, always blessings

Missy Burbage

June 15, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the Crisp family. I will miss seeing Mr. Crisp driving down our street and stopping to chat. Like his granddaughter said in her beautiful tribute, he would tell me how good I looked even when I was covered in dirt from working in the yard. Our neighborhood won't be quite the same anymore but just as I have created a permanent path in my grass walking to my pond, Mr. Crisp has left a permanent path on our street. Don't you worry Mr. Crisp, there will be no Joe in this park.

CYNTHIA \ TOMMY BECKMAN \ ROSS

June 15, 2009

WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MR. CRISP WAS A ONE OF A KIND. I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM IN HIS LITTLE MERCEDES AND HOW MUCH HE LOVED HIS BUS. HE WILL BE SADILY MISSED.
CYNTHIA & TOMMY
ROSS PAINT & COLLISION

Natasha Johnson

June 15, 2009

As a former employee of Alpha Care, I met Mr. Crisp several times and enjoyed many conversations with him. He was always upbeat and had a great personality. He will be sorely missed and my prayers are with all the family at this time.

Bonnie Maas

June 14, 2009

Donna and Debbie
I was really sorry to hear about Arthur's passing. He will not be alone. He will have Lib and Artie waiting for him. I know you will miss him very much. My condolences go out to all of your family. May he rest in peace.

June 14, 2009

I did not know Mr. Crisp but because of
The County Hall I met my future husband. We have been married for 42 years now. I have many fond memories of
the County Hall. Sleep sweet Mr, Crisp
Judy P. Coker
Atlanta, Ga.

Ackerman

June 14, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of Arthur's passing. At least he can be with Lib and Artie. Our condolances to the whole family. I will always remember that he let me keep Elvis's signed picture on my desk for the week of my birthday every year. Our prayers are with you.
Love
Myra & Bill Ackerman

Chris Sosnowski

June 14, 2009

Debbie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope Artie and your dad are together now. May God bless you.

Jim Reynolds

June 14, 2009

All of my thoughts and prayers are with Crisp family at their time of loss.
Arthur was a true gentleman and all that that implies. His love for his family was obvious to all and he will be surely missed.

"May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone."

June 14, 2009

Debbie, While working at Alpha Care I had the great pleasure of meeting and getting to know your daddy. He was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Love, Lori Hinson

Peggy Low

June 14, 2009

Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you...

Michael Couch

June 14, 2009

To my greatest friend Arthur Crisp Sr.
Arthur always told me that you would have 5 TRUE friends in life, and he was number 2 of my 5,for 1 of the 5 was my dad.
I love and miss him so very much!But,I know he is much happier now in gods palace.

Love from your buddy,
Michael Dean Couch

Kristi

June 14, 2009

I love you pops and miss you everyday! I can't imagine being here without you and your daily words of wisdom; calling me your lil Angel and my morning or evening calls to tell me how "good" I look eventhough, as far as I know, couldn't see me through the phone in my pjs or play clothes with tangled like bed head. Even after all of our long talks, you will never know how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate everything you have taught me; you gave us the world and asked for little in return. You have the biggest heart in the world, sometimes your only fault, to try to make everyone happy, safe and on solid ground. Thank You for being my grandfather with big hugs and kisses; my first bicycle ride and fall and rides to the magic mart for slushies and cap guns; and being a father to me and Courtney when ours was absent; giving us the education that you wanted us so badly to have; walking me down the aisle and giving me to the only boy you ever approved; just being my Popie. You gave us all the tools of life to live, but not without a stern voice to let us know the difference between right and wrong. Thank You for being the best greatgrandpopie to the boys, I am so glad that they will have their own memories of you; Elliot hopes that you are with Scout and Mamie will let him inside to sleep; I believe he is comforted thinking of you visiting with his other great grandfather, ya'll are talking on the front porch maybe about the Carter Family!? Parker misses you - although one day I hope that he will be able to explain the special unspoken bond the two of you shared. Your laugh, which he tries so hard to copy and the way he fixes his pants and says look at me "I'm Popie," will remind me how you laughed at his antics which will make me smile and help keep you close eventhough you're gone.
There are so many collected memories over the last 36 years, they are all so dear. As promised, with happy tears not sad, fun stories, big smiles and lots of laughter, we will celebrate your long,happy life with happy memories of a gracious, loving, compassionate man that touch so many lives. My only wish is that when you look down to check in, and we all know you will be checking on us, you will be proud of and happy for us all.
- I love you

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