Gregory F. Carlisle

Gregory Fields Carlisle
March 1,1963 – January 13, 2013
Raleigh
Greg tragically lost his life Sunday while doing what he loved… flying.
He leaves behind his beautiful, devoted wife of 23 years, Mary Stewart Towler Carlisle, and his only son, Gregory Fields Carlisle II.
Greg was smart, fun, benevolent, humble, and compassionate. He believed in doing the right thing no matter what and maintained a most tenacious work ethic. He was a silly prankster at times and often filled with contagious laughter. Greg's undying love vividly shone in how he treasured his family and friends. He often ended conversations with a simple "I love you", "Be safe on your trip", "Remember all the other stuff really doesn't matter at the end of the day," or "Go kiss your babies". He had open arms and was accepting of all. Greg was tops; you could not have asked for better.
Greg grew up with his parents, Jack & Jeanette, and three sisters, Kathy, Lisa, & Michelle, on eight acres just south of Raleigh. All born within six years of one another, early on they formed a solid, everlasting bond.
Greg naturally excelled socially, academically, and professionally from the earliest age. He took learning seriously and worked tirelessly to master all skills. His belief in hard work, responsibility, and love for flying were fostered by his dad, Jack. He flew with his father from the time he was born until the week of his death. His mom, Jeanette, lovingly held him to high standards requiring social responsibility, compassionate and empathetic interactions, 100% honesty, an unwavering moral compass, and infinite patience.
Greg maintained good grades and was loved and adored by teachers and classmates alike. They fondly remember him to be one of the smartest and funniest guys they knew. He was chosen as an Outstanding Senior, played trumpet, and was the marching band drum major his junior and senior year. From the earliest age throughout school and college, Greg worked with his dad. After graduating in 1981 from Garner Senior High School, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill and majored in psychology. Upon finishing, he worked another four years with his dad and then started his own contracting business building residential homes and commercial buildings. Approximately eight years ago, he began again collaborating with his father. In a 2012 interview, he explained, "I have learned to be a risk manager based on witnessing Dad's business career. I am less of a risk taker than he is, which is good since we are in business together, it provides balance." They were currently working on projects in four states.
In his twenties, he met the love of his life, Mary Stewart. They both shared a love for playing their musical instruments and would meet with trumpet and guitar while dating. His eyes always lit up with love and respect when he spoke of her and was with her. She said he was the best man she had ever known.
The love for his only child, Fields, was unparalleled. Fields grew up with a father who led and taught by example. As he himself had been raised, Greg taught Fields how to operate large equipment by the time other kids were learning to ride a bicycle. He beamed with pride taking Fields onto jobsites often. They shared a deep enthusiasm for cars and often test drove them for fun. They spontaneously took trips together in the last few years. Greg felt some of the very best days of his life were on the New Orleans trip they took three years ago.
He became the son that his father-in-law, Reid Towler, never had and he spent every evening that he could stopping by, discussing the day, sharing a meal. They shared a mutual respect and kinship with one another.
Patch and La-Lee, their beloved dogs, will miss Greg and all of his hugs, kisses, special meals, nick-name calling.
In lieu of flowers, Greg would be elated if you chose to contribute to Hospice of Wake County.
Greg was preceded in death by his oldest sister, Katharine "Kathy" Carlisle Smith and his mother-in-law, Miriam Morgan Arwood Towler.
He is survived by wife, Mary Stewart Towler Carlisle, son, Gregory Fields Carlisle II, parents, Jack Jenkins Carlisle and Jeanette Henderson Carlisle, sisters, Lisa Carlisle Beaman and Michelle Elaine Carlisle, father-in-law, Reid Stewart Towler, sisters-in-law, Henrietta Towler Corbin and Miriam "Morgie" Morgan Towler Duke, brothers-in-law, Joseph Craig Smith, David Andrew Millns, David Marshall Duke, James Paul Kelly, and Paul Christie Beaman, nieces and nephews: Reid Towler Millns, John Hunt Duke, Kitty Morgan Duke, William Davis Smith, Chandler Carlisle Beaman, Lucy Carlisle Beaman, Henderson John Kelly, and Katharine Carlisle Kelly.
The family will receive friends at White Memorial Church in the Jane Bell Gathering Space, 1704 Oberlin Road Raleigh, NC 27608, from 5-7PM Thursday evening. The funeral service will be held Friday at 11am at White Memorial Church followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.
Arrnagements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Street Raleigh, NC, (919) 828-4311