Obituary of William Alvin Crissman, Sr.

William A. Crissman, Sr., (92), of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024 with family at his side.

William, known to most as “Criss”, was born in Durham, NC to Julian C. and Anne Culber- son Crissman. He joined the United States Air Force shortly after graduation from high school. He served 4 years and after his discharge relocated to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida to begin a career with the Civil Service at Eglin Air Force Base. He retired after 34 years (in 1988) as Chief of the 46th Test Wing Propulsion shop.

After retiring, he went to work for Celtech Corporation overseeing the installation of portable jet engine test cells at USAF bases around the world. He retired from Celtech in 2002.  Criss loved fishing in Lake Marian, his second home, in Kenansville, Flor- ida. The month of August was normally spent in Port St. Joe camping and scalloping with all of his children and the many friends that showed up. He and JoAnn enjoyed traveling with the Gulf Coast Seagulls Campers Club and the Travel Supreme Club for many years. Criss enjoyed tying fishing flys as well as building small wooden tables and projects. 

He spent hours reading his large collection of cookbooks on smoking meat, barbecuing and Cajun food. He thoroughly enjoyed gifting a Boston butt or brisket to friends.

Left to grieve are his wife of 37 years, JoAnn Harlan Crissman;  son, William ‘Al’ Alvin Crissman, Jr. (Darlene) of DeFuniak Springs, FL; daughters, Cheryl Clayton (Donnie) of Walterboro, SC, Sandi Detrick (Dave) of St. Paris, OH and Shelly Miller (Tim) of Fort Walton Beach, FL. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Joshua Crissman, Trina Pope, Ricky Woodman, Jr., Sara Willis, Bradley Morris, Benjamin Frazier, and Joel Frazier. There are 16 great grandchildren who have been blessed to have their grandpa ‘Pappy’ in their lives. Criss also leaves a special friend that was like a ‘son’ and his wife, Larry and Violet Ault of Fort Walton Beach and a multitude of wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by brother, Julian Crissman, and sister, Fannie Jean Shipman.

Heartfelt love and thanks to Dr. Ros and Staff, Dr. Fischer and the awe- some staff of Fort Walton Beach Rehab Center for your exceptional care.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Plans for a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to a charity or foundation of your choice.

.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William Crissman, Sr., please visit our Tree Store