Chris Donald Epley

1978 - 2025

Christopher Donald Epley
November 26, 1978 – September 17, 2025
Christopher Donald Epley, 46, of Bonifay, Florida, passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 17, 2025 — probably still trying to convince someone FSU was robbed of being National Champions in 2023.
Born on November 26, 1978, in Dothan, Alabama, Chris was the son of Donald James Epley and Janet Holliday. He grew up with a last name you can’t forget and a sense of humor to match.
Chris is survived by his wife, Crystal Beetz Epley, who somehow always knew when he was up to something (which was often), and his daughter, Catelyn Epley, who he adored beyond words and was immensely proud of. He is also survived by a crew of siblings that reads like the lineup of a small football team: Chad (Panama City), Casey, Clay, Cameron, Cheldon, and Caleb (all of Bonifay), Aimee (Panama City), Amber (Jacksonville), Katherine Strickland (Cottonwood, AL), and Alyssa Epley (Holland, Michigan). If there was a family reunion, you'd need name tags and a megaphone.
Chris had a knack for making people laugh, offering a helping hand, and sneaking dessert when no one was looking. He never met a stranger, was a loyal friend, and was the kind of guy who'd give you the shirt off his back — whether you needed it or not. One of the most beautiful parts of his life was how tenderly he cared for his Mother and Grandma Holliday. In a world that moves too fast, he slowed down to sit with her, help her, and make sure she always felt loved and looked after. That quiet, unwavering devotion said everything about the kind of man he really was.
His life will be celebrated not just in memories and stories (of which there are plenty), but in the way he lived: with heart, humor, and a good-natured grin that usually meant he was about to get away with something.
Memorialization will be by cremation, with Sims Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, hug your people tight, laugh often, and maybe tell a good "Chris story" to keep his spirit alive.