George William Crist III

George William Crist, III, fondly known as “Bill” was born October 17th, 1946 in Charleston, South Carolina and died Sunday, September 30th, 2012 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta after a short illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Boykin Crist and James Fontaine Crist. He is survived by beloved wife of 30 years, Susan Graddy Crist.

Bill spent his early schoolhood years in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Marion Military Institute, in Marion, Alabama. In 1960, He moved with his parents to Atlanta and attended Georgia Military Academy and later studied at Oglethorpe University.

He began his career in the hotel industry. He specialized in marketing at Diversified Innkeepers where he was vice president of sales and marketing, and later became the owner of Hospitality Marketing. In the 1980’s, He joined Days Inn as director of franchises. He was promoted to Regional Vice President of Hospitality Franchise Systems, where he was responsible for overseeing development in the Midwest and Southeast. Hospital Franchise Systems became Wyndham Hotel Group in 2006, where he remained as Regional Vice President until present.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting with his best friend from childhood, Karter Thomas, at the hunting lodge in south Alabama. He spent many hours on his boat at Lake Lanier and enjoyed flying, as he was a licensed pilot since 1980. Everyone who knew him, loved him …a gentle soul, kind and giving. He loved the Lord, loved his family, and loved his job. He was a long time member of the Cathedral of St. Philip.

In addition to his wife, Susan, he is survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Betsy) Crist Candler, his brother, James (Jim) Fontaine Crist, Jr., and his wife Jean, all of Atlanta; his sister-in-law, Iris Anne Wilson of Dothan, Alabama, and brother-in-law, Thomas B. Graddy, and his wife, Penny, of Ashford, Alabama; 9 nieces and 1 nephew.

The family would like to thank the medical staff at Piedmont Hospital ICU 5th floor East for their extraordinary efforts and special care that Bill received during his critical illness. Special thanks also to the Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Prayer Ministry.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “The Caring Ministry” at the Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, Georgia 30068, or the charity of your choice.

The service will be Friday, October 5th, 2012. at 2:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30305. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service in the Gould Room.

Online condolences may be made at www.hmpattersonspringhill.com.