News Summary
Gareth Clois Crain, a beloved figure in Greenville’s business community and devoted family man, has passed away after a courageous battle with bile duct cancer. He was surrounded by his family at home and is remembered for his leadership and commitment to helping others. Crain’s legacy includes his work as Vice President of Global Business Development at Cryovac and his active participation in community service. He leaves behind his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, who honor his memory and values.
Greenville, SC – Gareth Clois Crain, Respected Business Leader and Family Man, Passes Away After Battle with Cancer
Gareth Clois Crain, a notable figure in the business community and a dedicated family man, passed away on Sunday, July 20th, 2025, after a courageous nine-month battle with bile duct cancer. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife, Clarissa Poteat Crain, and their daughters, Jennifer C. McDavid and Elizabeth C. Stamm.
Born in 1949 to Billie and Mamie Crain, Gareth grew up on his family’s farm in northern Greenville County. After graduating from Greenville High School, he attended the University of South Carolina and later obtained a Master’s in Business Administration from Clemson University. His professional journey began in 1974 when he joined Cryovac, Sealed Air, where he contributed to various managerial and executive roles in manufacturing, sales, and marketing for over 43 years. He retired in 2017, serving as the Vice President of Global Business Development.
In addition to his distinguished career, Gareth married Clarissa “Cris” Poteat in 1982. He was a devoted father to his two daughters and engaged as a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Thomas McDavid, Anna McDavid, Lawton Stamm, and Lidie Stamm. Gareth’s dedication to his family was evident in the love and support he provided throughout their lives.
A Legacy of Strength and Leadership
Gareth was a two-time cancer survivor, known for his resilience and strength in the face of adversity. His business acumen was widely respected, and he was acknowledged for his effective negotiation skills and leadership abilities. Colleagues and peers often noted his selfless nature as a coach and mentor in his field, impacting many aspiring professionals throughout his career.
Despite his responsibilities in international business, Gareth cherished moments spent with friends and family. He often traveled globally for work but found his greatest joy in the tranquility of South Carolina and the beautiful western North Carolina mountains. After retiring, Gareth and Cris enjoyed life in their home located in Cashiers, North Carolina, where they created lasting memories together.
Community Engagement and Personal Interests
Gareth was not only a significant figure in business but also an active community member. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville and served as a past Board Member and chair of Fund Development for the Pleasant Valley Association. His commitment to his community and faith played an essential role in his life.
Gareth is survived by his wife, Cris, their two daughters, and four grandchildren who will honor his memory and the values he instilled in them.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, July 25th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 2310 Augusta St., Greenville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or to a charity of one’s choice, reflecting Gareth’s legacy of compassion and generosity.
Gareth Clois Crain will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, excellence in his professional life, and commitment to giving back to the community he loved.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Gareth Clois Crain Obituary
- Wikipedia: Business Leader
- Greenville Online: Local Obituaries
- Google Search: Corporate Leadership
- Greenville Online: Recent Deaths
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
