When audiences tuned in to watch Chrisley Knows Best, they met a patriarch famous for his strict rules, sharp tongue, and lavish lifestyle. Yet the man Todd Chrisley frequently credited as his moral compass never appeared on screen. Todd's father, Gene Raymond Chrisley, passed away two years before the reality television show premiered. Understanding Todd's background requires looking past the television persona to examine the life of his father, a military veteran and working-class Southerner who shaped the family's foundations.
Gene Chrisley's life story is defined by military service, a long marriage to Elizabeth "Faye" Chrisley (beloved by fans as "Nanny Faye"), and raising children in Westminster, South Carolina. Even though he died in 2012, his memory remained a constant presence throughout the run of the family's reality series and subsequent media projects.
Who Was Gene Chrisley?
Gene Raymond Chrisley was born on May 9, 1935, to Leonard A. and Allie Mae Childers Chrisley. He grew up in an era that demanded resilience, living through the post-Depression years in the American South. Like many young men of his generation, Gene answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Army.
During his military tenure, Gene served active duty in the Korean War. Historical records and family obituaries note that he earned a Bronze Star for his service. Todd Chrisley once shared a vintage photograph of his father during his army days, noting that Gene was only sixteen years old when he entered service. Fans frequently pointed out the striking physical resemblance between the young soldier and the future reality star.
After returning from military service, Gene settled into civilian life. He spent much of his working career employed by WestPoint Stevens, a major textile manufacturer in the region, putting in decades of manual labor to support his household.
Marriage to Nanny Faye and Family Life
Gene married Elizabeth "Faye" Hughes in the 1960s. Together, they raised their sons—including Michael Todd and his brother Randy—in Westminster, South Carolina. Another son, Derrick, tragically passed away from complications in infancy in 1971.
Life in the Chrisley household during Todd's upbringing was anchored by hard work rather than wealth. While Gene worked manufacturing jobs, Faye often logged up to sixty hours a week at a local textile mill. Todd has frequently mentioned in interviews that witnessing his parents' grueling work schedules instilled the drive that later propelled his career in real estate and television.
Even decades later, Nanny Faye often spoke of Gene with deep affection on Chrisley Knows Best. When family members playfully encouraged her to date or find a companion in later seasons, she famously resisted, noting that none of the prospective partners compared to her late husband. Todd shared that sentiment, maintaining that Gene was the only true patriarch the family ever recognized.
Passing and Legacy
Gene Chrisley passed away on July 11, 2012, at the age of 77, following a battle with cancer at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. His death occurred just two years before Chrisley Knows Best debuted on the USA Network in 2014, meaning he never experienced his family's sudden catapult into national celebrity.
Despite his absence from the screen, his grandchildren—including Savannah and Chase Chrisley—frequently posted tributes to him on social media, remembering him as a dedicated grandfather who never missed a horse show, sporting event, or milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Todd Chrisley's father appear on Chrisley Knows Best?
No. Gene Chrisley passed away in July 2012, nearly two years before the reality series premiered in March 2014. However, he was frequently mentioned by family members, particularly Nanny Faye, who often referenced him as the standard for devotion.
What was Gene Chrisley's military record?
Gene served in the United States Army during the Korean War. According to his official obituary and family recollections, he earned a Bronze Star for his service after enlisting at a young age.
What did Gene Chrisley do for a living?
For most of his working life, Gene was employed by WestPoint Stevens, a prominent textile company in the American South, where he labored to provide for his family alongside his wife, Faye.
How many children did Gene and Faye Chrisley have?
They raised two surviving sons, Todd and Randy, after experiencing the tragic loss of their infant son, Derrick, in 1971.
