Graveside services for Ronald Dean Crisp, 67, of Nacogdoches will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Nat Cemetery with Bro. Michael Self, officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the graveside from 9:00am until 10:30am on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Laird Funeral Home.
Ronald Dean Crisp was born in Nacogdoches on April 21, 1953 to parents, J.C. and Edna Kirkley Crisp. Dean’s childhood was filled with love and laughter and learning the things taught to him by his mother and father. From an early age, he learned carpentry from his dad and spent his lifetime constructing beautiful homes and buildings for many people in his hometown. Dean attended school in Cushing and ultimately decided to become a firefighter for the City of Nacogdoches, where he honorably served for almost 30 years, retiring in 2003 as a Lieutenant. During this time, Dean became the proud father of 2 boys. He loved David and Doug more than life itself and made it his most important goal to teach them the ethics he grew up learning. Although he taught with compassion and love, he also had a stern hand. They were allowed to “be boys” but if they ever hinted at being bored, lessons on hard work came about. Dean coached their baseball teams with pride and took them fishing as often as life allowed. Both boys knew the strength and courage their daddy had and was proud to be his sons. They took everything he taught them, from simple things to the more complicated, and applied them in their lives. Dean instilled a great work ethic in them, reminding them to always give “an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay”. When David and Doug started their own families, Dean learned a new love; the love of daughters. Brandy and Dawn became as much his kids as their husbands were and Dean loved them unconditionally. Soon, he realized having children came with an even greater joy…grandchildren! He was never happier than when he heard the word Papa. The grands were the light of his eyes and the sunshine in his soul. He never missed a game or event and was their biggest supporter. He always had honey buns and oreo’s for them and made them his highest priority. The best time of any day was when they got to his house and he dearly cherished those moments. In more recent times, Dean found that enjoying the simple things in life with those he loved, was the most rewarding. He found joy in having a special lady, Melissa McCormick, by his side as they sat on the porch enjoying a cup of coffee and a beautiful sunset. Melissa filled a void that Dean had and brought him many happy memories over the last several years. Dean will be missed by everyone who knew him and his adamant statement of “love you bunches” will forever be heard in their minds and spoken from their mouths. Because of Dean, they know how important it is to tell those you love how much they mean to you. His wit, laughter, love and of course his charm are only a few of the things that will forever be a part of the memories cherished from Dean as life goes on and his country road has led him home.
Dean is survived by his children, David and Brandy Crisp and Doug and Dawn Crisp; his beloved grandchildren, Jake Crisp and Riley, Ivy Crisp, Brandon Crisp and Morgan Crisp and his sisters, Anita Laverne Taylor, Nina Cheatham and husband Bruce and Wanda Permenter and husband, Gene. He is also survived by special friend, Melissa McCormick, who made his last years even more sweet. Additionally, Dean was blessed with many nieces, nephews, family members and wonderful friends who were very special to him.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents, J.C and Edna Crisp.
The family would like to thank Hospice of East Texas for their dedicated and tender care of their Daddy and Papa, as he transitioned from his earthly home to his eternal home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jake Crisp, Brandon Crisp, Lance Crisp, Shannon Crisp, Darrell Trawick, Brent Hughes and Robert Templin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nacogdoches Professional Fire Fighter’s Association at 212 East Pilar, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.
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