Obituary of Gary Lee Crouse

Gary Lee Crouse, age 78, passed away January 6, 2024. He was born on July 21, 1945 in North Wilkesboro, NC, to the late Robert Lee and Theresa Blevins Crouse. He was preceded in death by his brother Billy Wayne Crouse. He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 52 years; three daughters and sons-in-law: Angie and Jim Webb of Knoxville, TN, Shannan and Bradley Tate of Wytheville, and Wendy and Bubba Collins of Wytheville; six beloved grandchildren: McKenzie Tate, Mason Tate, Joseph Collins, Nick Webb, Josiah Collins, and Jeremiah Collins. Also survived by brother and sister-in-law Edward and Eleanor Crouse of Sparta, NC; sister Elaine Osborne of Glade Valley, NC; sister and brother-in-law Gayle and Jimmy Kiser of Draper, VA, and sister-in-law Debbie Crouse of Sparta, NC and many, many special nieces and nephews. He served in the US Army from 1967 to 1969 where he served two tours in Vietnam and quickly earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. At the time of his honorable discharge he was in the Special Airborne Forces where he received a bronze star. He attended and played football at Lees-McCrae College and graduated from East Tennessee State University. Then he married his beautiful bride Judy in 1971. He started his career with Lowe’s Building Supply in 1971, serving as store manager in various locations in Virginia and eventually retired in 1995. After retirement, he helped build and co-found Fountain Springs Golf Course in Peterstown, WV. He was a member of the American Legion Post #9. He was a long time member, deacon and elder at Wytheville Presbyterian Church in Wytheville. He volunteered his time and energy to the church, Agape Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous individuals throughout the community. Gary had many diverse interests and was an avid fisherman, hunter, and golfer. Every year there were many adventures out west and anywhere else he could hunt or fish, and he also enjoyed mens’ group golf outings. He was a dedicated gardener and shared his produce with neighbors and friends, whether they wanted them or not! His grandkids were the apple of his eye, and he enjoyed attending all their sporting events. One of his favorite hobbies was cutting wood and expanding the wood pile along the fenceline. He enjoyed helping on the Crouse farm and maintaining his camphouse property on the New River. He loved baking cookies and pies and making his famous salsa to share with friends and family. Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend to all and he would always help anyone at a moment’s notice. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday, January 12th at Grubb Funeral Home. The service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 13th at the Wytheville Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to the Wytheville Presbyterian Church, Agape Food Pantry, and American Legion Post # 9. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com The Crouse family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA.