Grady Lynn Crow

Born in Gaffney on February 3, 1945, he was the only son of Grady Lee and Inez Rena (Fletcher) Crow. From these humble beginnings on the “mill hill,” the boy from Gaffney went on to achieve success during a long career at IBM, and he was able to provide his daughters, Stephanie and Brentleigh, many of the comforts his loving parents could never afford. His life, full and rich, embodied the American dream. Lynn’s gift for mathematics and numerical problem-solving emerged when he was a student at Gaffney High School. He also played football and was fullback during the Indian’s legendary undefeated 1961 season, when the team was voted best in the state by newspapers in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston. He attended Limestone University and majored in math, with a minor in religion and philosophy, graduating at the top of his class in December 1968. Lynn got a job straight out of college working at IBM and stayed there until his retirement after twenty-five years. But not yet ready to kickback full time, he consulted for several more years at Steel Heddle and General Electric.

Lynn found joy and escape in the great outdoors. His lifelong passion began when he was an Eagle Scout and for many years he made annual hiking trips along the Appalachian Trail through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was an avid runner well into his forties and competed in 5K and 10K road races. Music was his other passion: he loved playing guitar and banjo, and he was particularly skilled on the twelve-string. You could also find him cutting the rug when he went out to shag on Ocean Boulevard.

Lynn is survived by his loving daughters, Brentleigh, who devoted herself to his care during his final four and a half years, and Stephanie Brummett; son-in-law, Trent, who also offered selfless care; and granddaughters Savannah Crow; fiancé, Austin Mathews; and Ryleigh Brummett, who brought him immense joy and pride. He cherished every moment he spent with them.

Lynn’s foundation in Christ was revived during his long illness. May he be an inspiration to us all to embrace life with gratitude and love.

A memorial service will be held at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, 29609, at 3:00 pm on May 20, 2025. A celebration of life will follow at 4:30 pm at Capri’s Italian Restaurant, 115 Pelham Road, Greenville, 29615.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at https://appalachiantrail.org/