Lance Crider

Lance Kevin Crider, 16, of Newberry, South Carolina, tragically passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Newberry Academy gym, a place Lance knew well and where he spent countless hours with teammates, classmates, and friends, with the Reverend Jason Edwards officiating.

Services will also be held at 10:30 a.m. on December 27, 2005 at Pine Knolls Alliance Church in South Glens Falls, New York by the Rev. Justin Fischer.

Honorary pallbearers will include the Newberry Academy Cross Country Team, the Newberry Academy Basketball Team, the Newberry Academy Swim Team, and members of the Mid Carolina and Newberry High School swim teams.

Born on August 19, 2009, in Glens Falls, New York, Lance was the beloved son of Kevin Lance Crider and Valerie Bizier Crider. He was a proud junior at Newberry Academy, where he excelled both academically and athletically. Lance was a dedicated multisport athlete whose natural talent, humility, and steady work ethic earned admiration from coaches, teammates, and competitors.

Lance made history in the fall of 2025 as a member of the Newberry Academy Cross Country Team. He earned the Individual State Championship and helped the team secure the State Championship title. Throughout the season, he was also named Region Champion, Runner of the Year, All Region, Track MVP, and Cross Country MVP. At the state meet, Lance set a personal record and helped lead his team to victory, a season he was incredibly proud of.

Lance was also an accomplished swimmer, competing for Newberry Academy, the Newberry Marlins, and the Newberry Eels. He earned finalist honors at several SCISA A and AA State Championship meets, with strong performances in the 100 fly, 200 free, 100 breast, and 500 free. He was known for his determination, drive for improvement, and quiet resolve to do his best. Lance also proudly represented Newberry Academy on the basketball court, the baseball field, and the sporting clays course.

Lance’s dedication extended beyond school sports. He trained in martial arts and was highly regarded within his dojo, where instructors wrote that he “consistently exemplified the qualities of an outstanding martial artist and leader.” They believed that through his perseverance and commitment, he would one day earn the rank of Black Belt.

Lance was an accomplished and highly involved student. He served as Junior Civitan Vice President and previously as Secretary and Public Relations Coordinator. He was a dedicated member of the Senior Beta Club, the Yearbook Staff, and the Student Government, and served as the Junior Class Representative. He also enjoyed the challenge and strategy of the Chess Club, as well as competing in chess meets.

Academically, Lance consistently achieved High Honor Roll and High Scholar and was recognized as a Scholar Athlete. He received the Spanish Award in 2024 and the History Award in 2025, and excelled in academic competitions, including the Literary Meet and the Math Meet. He qualified for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and was eligible to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. Lance also demonstrated leadership through Junior Leadership and served his school as a Student Ambassador.

Beyond academics and athletics, Lance was known for his gentle spirit, kindness, and loyalty. He was a steadfast friend, a devoted son and brother, and a young man whose presence lifted those around him. He loved his teammates, cherished time with his friends and family, and carried himself with a character far beyond his years.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Wayne R. Crider, and his grandmother, Christina McAuliffe.

In addition to his parents, Kevin and Valerie Crider of Newberry, he is survived by his sisters Evelyn Crider and Ellie Crider; his grandparents Cecelia Pettey White, Donald and Linda Bizier, and Michelle Francese Crider; his great grandparents Jean Francese and Leona Crider; and his aunts and uncles Christopher and Kim Shaver, James and Lorin Whorf, Donald Bizier, Jr., Stephan Bizier, and Michael and Andrea Bizier. He is also survived by many cousins, teammates, and extended family friends.

The family would like to encourage your support of the upcoming Love Like Alissa “Run Your Holiday Socks Off” 5K on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. The race supports the Love Like Alissa Foundation, created in Alissa’s honor to encourage young people to follow their dreams and to provide a scholarship for a Mid Carolina volleyball senior pursuing higher education. Many of Lance’s friends plan to participate, and his family hopes their involvement will help strengthen the foundation’s mission of encouraging leadership, teamwork, and a supportive environment for young people in athletics.

Lance’s life was filled with purpose, passion, faith, and love. His legacy will remain in the lives he touched, the records he set, and the community that will always remember him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jason Foundation.