George Robert "Bob" Crain

Bob Crain passed away peacefully at his home on June 6, 2015. Born in Greer, SC, on August 6, 1942, Bob was the only child of Mamie Sara Gay Crain and the late George Andrew Crain. He graduated from Greer High School in 1960. He earned a BA from USC in 1965. An avid Gamecock football fan, Bob had the same seats at William Brice Stadium for 40 years. He received his MEd from Clemson in 1971. Bob began his teaching career in Pickens County and later taught briefly at Greer High School. He was selected in 1973 to be a history and French teacher at a new school in Greenville County, Riverside High. He was a valued member of the energetic, dedicated, and creative faculty who selected the school’s mascot and alma mater. Bob thrived and grew as a young professional. His love for history and his dedication to students and teaching cemented his emerging reputation as a legend. As an AP US History teacher, he challenged and inspired students to study diligently. Students feared his class, but they loved the teacher. He loved all his classes and encouraged and motivated his students to develop a love for history, good study skills, and confidence in themselves as emerging adults. During his recent illness, he enjoyed reading the loving and appreciative comments former students wrote on his Facebook page. He was a gifted teacher who touched many lives and had a positive impact on so many young people. Teachers remember Bob as a gracious and friendly Southern gentleman who never left school on a Friday without wishing everyone he saw a “Happy Weekend”. Teachers selected him RHS Teacher of the Year in 1981, and he remained the Social Studies Department Chair for several decades until his retirement in 2004. RHS established the Bob Crain Award for Excellence in Social Studies which NHS will now fund annually as a scholarship award. Before his recent illness, Bob was a beloved substitute teacher at RHS and Bond’s Career Center. Bob’s love and concern for people also radiated in his relationships with many friends. He was a consummate host at many joyful parties at his beautifully -appointed home, especially during the holidays when he meticulously decorated Christmas trees in every room. His compassion and loyalty to friends was always present in his visits to hospitals to cheer them, in his phone calls to encourage them, and in his attendance at their family members’ funerals to comfort them. They, in turn, have been an enormous comfort to Bob in his final days. Bob left this world knowing how very loved he was with his beloved and devoted godson Sean Mcleod at his side. Sean has been a most capable caregiver since Bob returned home from the hospital and is most appreciative of the assistance Open Arms Hospice has provided. Bob is survived by his mother, Sara Crain; his godson ,Sean Mcleod; his cousins, Ann Gay; Jean Gay Hodgens (Neil);Jimmy Gay (Mary);Buck Gay (Loretta);Debbie Crain Turnage ( Alfred);Richard Crain (Joan) and their families. Bob was a faithful communicant at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where he served as lector, usher and greeter. His Requiem Mass will be celebrated there on Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1002 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 or to Greenville Animal Care, 328 Furman Hall Rd., Greenville, SC 29609. Online condolences may be sent to www.thewoodmortuary.com

George Robert "Bob" Crain

August 6, 1942 - June 6, 2015