Cover photo for Thomas Champe Greis, Jr.'s Obituary
Thomas Champe Greis, Jr. Profile Photo
1952 Thomas 2025

Thomas Champe Greis, Jr.

June 28, 1952 — January 25, 2025

Corbin, KY

Thomas Champe Greis, Jr., died at home on Saturday, January 25, 2025, after a long illness. He was born June 28, 1952, in Lexington, KY, the son of Thomas Champe Greis, Sr., and Ann Barron Greis. 

Champe graduated from Tates Creek High School, Class of 1970. Following graduation, he attended Cumberland College and graduated in 1975, majoring in Elementary Education and Biology. After college graduation, he married Judy Chappell (Greis) and lived in Corbin, KY. They celebrated 49 years of marriage this past August 2024. Champe worked for the KY Employment Service for over 20 years and 7 years for the Office of Inspector General. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. He considered himself a herpetologist and raised and cared for many reptiles. To tell someone about his animals was one of his happiest moments. 

He is survived by his wife, Judy Chappell Greis; son, Robert Greis; sister, Ann Barron Greis Hart, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Champe Greis, Sr., and mother, Ann Barron Greis. 

Visitation will be held from 5-6 pm on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where his memorial service will begin at 6 pm with Rev. Mike Helton officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Knox Whitley Animal Shelter, Bluegrass Care Navigators Hospice, or Alzheimer's Assocation. 

Arrangements by Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where message may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com 

Donate - Bluegrass Care Navigators

Donate - Knox Whitley Animal Shelter

Donate - Alzheimer's Association

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Champe Greis, Jr., please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

5:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home

607 Master St., Corbin, KY 40701

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Memorial Service

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Starts at 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home

607 Master St., Corbin, KY 40701

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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