Craig was born on June 22, 1976 in Elgin, IL to his beloved parents, John and Linda (Griffin) Podraza. He was raised in Carpentersville where he graduated from Dundee-Crown High School in 1994. Growing up his family were members of Fox Valley Baptist Church. He went onto further his education ultimately attending and graduating from Moody Bible Institute his Bachelors in Education and Ministry. He later became the Youth Pastor of his childhood church that his grandfather had pastored in former years. He was the Principal of the Griffin Christian School as well.
As life went on with it came numerous transitions. Craig’s faith sustained him. In 2013 he relocated to Midland, Texas. He became actively involved in the community through his devotion to Teen Challenge where he was the Director of Education. He also was a GED Instructor at Midland College. He was a member of Stonegate Fellowship in Midland. He was loving, encouraging, and always pushed those he cared about to be who they needed to be. His legacy and faith will live on in the lives of those that he touched through the years.
He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Sean Anthony Podraza; maternal grandparents, Rev. William and Doris Griffin; paternal grandparents, Lt. Col. John M. Podraza and Nancy L. Miller.
Many Precious memories of him will be cherished by his parents, John and Linda Podraza; his brothers, Christopher Michael Podraza and Samuel Seth Podraza; two uncles; 4 aunts; numerous cousins. He also leaves behind his cherished Teen Challenge Family.
Services celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Teen Challenge Chapel 6901 S County Rd 1200, Midland, TX 79706. Visitation will be held an hour prior beginning at 2:00 PM in the Chapel. His earthly remains will be laid to rest at a later date in Tennessee with his grandparents.
A visitation for Craig will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Teen Challenge Chapel, 6901 S. County Rd. 1200, Midland, Texas 79706, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to Teen Challenge: https://www.teenchallengeadult.com/donate
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