Chesley Herbert Crews, Jr.

February 9, 1925 - August 20, 2021

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Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown

639 North Main Steet

Greenville, SC 29601

Monday 8/23, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Woodlawn Memorial Park

1 Pine Knoll Dr.

Greenville, SC 29609

Tuesday 8/24, 9:00 am

Woodlawn Memorial Park

1 Pine Knoll Dr.

Greenville, SC 29609

Chesley Herbert Crews, Jr., 96, devoted husband and father, decorated veteran, respected business leader, and model of humanity, died peacefully at his home in Greenville, SC on Friday, August 20, 2021, to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A child of the mill villages of Poe and Judson, he was born the only son of the late Chesley Herbert Crews, Sr. and Natalie Hamilton Crews.

Mr. Crews served as a crew chief on a C-47 troop carrier in the US Army Air Corps 442nd Operations Group during World War II. He participated in the European Theater in the Liberation of Rome (Arno), Operation Overlord (Normandy D-Day), Operation Dragoon (France), Operation Market Garden (Holland), the Battle of the Bulge (Belgium), Operation Plunder (Rhine River) and the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp. Crews and his unit earned six battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for efforts during the D-Day invasion. Following V-E Day, he left Active Service as a T/Sgt.

Mr. Crews was a 1943 graduate of Parker High School and 1947 graduate of Furman University. He retired as president of Dewitt International, after a long career as a realtor, vice president of sales for Texize Chemicals, and in other roles where his warm and genuine personality was an asset. He served as a community volunteer with the Heart Association, Bethany Services, and the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority and served as a board member for several years at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, TN. He was a founding member of Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church where served as an elder, elder emeritus, and Sunday School teacher.

Surviving are daughters, Cathy Arrowood and husband Noah, of Greer and Beth Crews and husband Ben Howell, of Greenville; grandchildren, Josh Arrowood (Vanessa), Lacey Johnson (Stevie), Lauren Shealy (Aaron), Chelsea Burgess, Grayson Burgess (Sarah), Mackenzie Burgess (Courtney), Clark Burgess, and Liz and Margee Howell; and great grandchildren, Bryce and Cooper Arrowood, Easton and Emmett Shealy, Aubrey Johnson, and Blaise and Ava Burgess.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Alan Crews, and his wife and sweetheart, Sue Cobb Crews.

The family expresses gratitude to all who loved and cared for Mr. Crews, particularly Brenda Gray, Brooks Griffith, Mike Delello, and Pam Messer.

Family will be at the home at 30 Glenn Street, Greenville. Visitors may pay respects at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown on Monday, August 23, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. A graveside funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” button on the main obituary page.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown

639 North Main Steet

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Monday 8/23, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Woodlawn Memorial Park

1 Pine Knoll Dr.

Greenville, SC 29609

Map

Tuesday 8/24, 9:00 am

Woodlawn Memorial Park

1 Pine Knoll Dr.

Greenville, SC 29609

Map

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Pop was my best friends grandfather. I had the privilege of being around Pop on a number of occasions. My favorite times were going to his house back in 2008-2010 and seeing the white and black striped C47s hanging from his ceiling. Men like Pop are the reason we as Americans enjoy the freedoms we do today. I must admit, while reading Pops obituary I laughed - I read that he graduated from high school in 1943. Within a year after he received his HS diploma he participated in liberating Italy, France, and Holland from Nazi tyranny. My biggest dilemma a year after graduating HS was deciding whether I spend my summers off from school lifeguarding at the local pool or working in a restaurant. A different time….. The Pops of the world are gone, and they will never grace our earth again. I firmly believe that. My condolences to the entire Crews family and family tree during this difficult time. - Bobby

Beth, and family, It was a gift from your father that I experienced today at his funeral. Truly a celebration of life. Of the love expressed, and how he lives on through all of you. All my best, Linda

His love never failed Herb and I pray His strength will lessen your sorrow. I had the pleasure of knowing Herb for 39 years and loved his wit and wisdom. Until I read his obituary, I didn't know in how many ways he protected our nation with his service. What a Patriot! But, Herb did talk about himself much, he was "others" focused. I'm imagining him being with his love and his darling Sue, and know they are rejoicing in Jesus! May many memories allow you to feel that same joy going forward.

Herb I only wish I had known you better. Your devotion to your family , your country and the Lord is such an inspiration and benediction for us all. You are at peace now as you were here and will be truely missed! I salute such a fullfilled life . SG Mettling

Thank you, sir, for your decorated service to our country and for your devotion to family. We need more like you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

In memory of Chesley Herbert Crews, Jr., The Marshall Family lit a candle

Cathy, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Sympthy to you and the family. Our prayers are with you. We love you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.