Lt. Col. Oris Elzie Crout

Lt. Col. (ret.) Oris Elzie Crout, born March 7, 1932, in Greenville, SC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Oris was a devoted husband, father, and friend, preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Kathryn Cosby Crout; his parents, Elzie Sloan Crout and Lucinda Koon Crout; his brothers, Frank Crout and Carthel Crout (Edna), Harry Crout (Joyce) and Harold Crout (Charlotte) and his sister, Evelyn Bociek (Stan).

Oris graduated from Furman University with a BA in Economics and retired from Champion Building Products. He proudly served as an Armored Unit officer in the US Army and as a Tactical Nuclear Unit officer in the US Army Reserve.

He leaves behind a loving family, including his son, Bill Crout (Lynne); and his two daughters, Grace Lunsford and Mary Gregg (Mike). Oris was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Michael (Kelli), Ben, Brandon, Sloan (Emma), Claire, Rafe, and Russ, along with many great-grandchildren.

A faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Oris lived his life grounded in faith and devotion, finding strength in the Lord.

As Proverbs 17:6 reminds us, “Parents are the pride of their children.” Oris will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

His family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 31, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Ardenwoods Employee Appreciation Fund, 103 Appalachian Blvd., Arden, NC 28704.