Carey Alan Crespo

Carey Alan Crespo, 78, of Sylva, NC, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, family, and nurse, Bruce after an extended period of declining health.

The youngest in a family of four, born to Dorothy and Charles Crespo, began life at the Air Force base in Jacksonville, Florida. Afterwards the family moved to Atlanta, GA where he spent most of his life before making a permanent move to Sylva with his wife who was born and raised in Sylva. He was a fourth generation son of Celestino Crespo, a Spanish immigrant who was awarded land in White County, GA after making a sea rescue of a White county man. Family is still rooted in White County and carries on the Crespo legacy.

Carey began his career as a commercial draftsman in the early 70’s in Atlanta. Over a course of 50 years he remained in the construction industry. His skill as a draftsman prompted him to immerse himself into a wide range of construction skills for which he became known. He defined what it means to be an authentic Master Carpenter/Builder with skills to bring an inspiration or vision to reality with a pencil, wood and tools. His focus was custom design homes in North Atlanta area that required his vision and skill. Late in life he brought his skill to Sylva and completed several custom projects in Jackson County.

His love was anything outdoors. He sought out adventure and connection with nature. His last big adventure was a flight over Denali in 2007. Being a certified diver, he loved days on the ocean in a sailboat surviving on fresh catch of lobster and conch.

Equally he loved the mountains. God’s beauty and grandeur came as an awesome gift he never tired of. He thanked God often for this gift.

Sharing his skills with those in need was important to him. He traveled three times into remote Honduran villages helping build schools, medical clinics, bridges, and churches. He felt God blessed him and wanted to give back.

Those who knew him found him to be a man in deed and in truth. His way was to offer words of support, encouragement or inspiration. His spiritual skills were as effective as his saw and hammer especially for his children and grandchildren when asked. His love for life and his family ran deep like still water never with expectations just deep quite love and prayer.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Beverly (maiden name Shuler), son Carey Crespo, Jr. (Susan), daughters Christine (Bruce), Adriane (Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Sandra, and his youngest daughter Connie.

He is also survived by grandchildren, Christopher, Chase, Chance, AJ, Timothy, Hayden, Addison, and Cooper along with great grandchildren, and five nephews.

Though Carey lost his immediate family he had a large extended family which included Beverly’s family of three brothers, Tony (Verna), Keith (Pam), Tim (Carolyn), two nieces Carla and Jennifer and one nephew Scott, and friends and cousins he enjoyed. We had lots of mountain adventures and good times along the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Appalachian Funeral Home in Sylva, July 25th at 2pm with visitation beginning at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care 828-452-5039