Pastor Grover Ray Crosswhite entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 31, 2026.

Grover lived a life marked by deep faith, generous love, and sincere gratitude. He saw great value in every person he encountered and treated everyone with dignity and kindness. His life was one of thankfulness, faithfulness, and steady devotion to whatever God placed in his hands—including the building of two churches and the shepherding of countless lives.

Grover’s greatest joy was his family. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and took immense pride in encouraging each of them to pursue their dreams. He was not only a father and grandfather, but also a business partner, investor, and constant encourager—always believing in their potential and supporting their ideas. His generosity did not stop with his family; it overflowed into the community he loved so well. Grover could often be found giving someone a ride, putting gas in a stranded motorist’s car, providing food to those in need, or speaking words of life and hope to the discouraged. He lived his faith authentically, extending grace and mercy to all. Through his unwavering faith, he witnessed many miracles and left behind a legacy of love and service.

Grover believed deeply in hard work and faithfully passed that work ethic on to his children and grandchildren. This dedication is evident in the ministry legacy he leaves behind in Statesville. He was a true friend, mentor, and a passionate believer in the next generation.

Grover was born on December 10, 1950, in St. Louis. He attended Hoopi High School in California and, after graduation, enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. While stationed at Fort Bragg, he met the love of his life, Evelyn, whom he married in 1971. Together, they shared 54 beautiful years of marriage filled with love, faith, and partnership. Grover pursued his calling through Bible studies at Free Gospel Institute and Butler Bible Institute in Pennsylvania.

Over the years, he pastored four churches in Meat Camp, Jefferson, and Statesville, N.C. Grover and Evelyn raised three children, all of whom faithfully supported and served alongside him in ministry. He founded Cornerstone Church in Statesville where he pastored for 32 years.

Grover was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Ray Crosswhite and Jerry Gaynel Chamberlain. He is survived by his devoted wife, Evelyn of Statesville; his sisters, Jerri Landis (Jim) of Statesville and Thelma Pinson (Ray) of St. Louis; his brothers, Clyde Crosswhite and Ricky Crosswhite of Weaverville, Calif.; his children, Renee Griffith (Bobby), Elisa Connolly (Neal), and Mark Crosswhite (Patty), all of Statesville; along with ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who were the delight of his heart.

​​ A celebration of Grover’s life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 650 Glover Street, Statesville, N.C

Grover’s life was a testament to faith in action, love without limits, and a legacy that will continue to impact generations to come.