Dr. Darrell Lee Craig, 84, passed away September 28th, 2021 in Middleburg, Florida. After his family moved back from the Panama Canal Zone, he became a basketball star at Paoli High School in Indiana. Having enjoyed ROTC, he enlisted in the United States Air Force just after the Korean War and traveled to Japan. He was always proud to be an American Veteran. He became an avid civilian pilot, building and flying several planes of his own. Prior to 9/11 2001 he once even flew over the U.S. Capitol, which did not go unnoticed by the U.S. National Air Defense Guard.
Once his service was completed he attended Murray State University in Western, Kentucky, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Organic Chemistry and Biology. He next graduated from the University of Louisville Dental School in 1965. Over the next 40 years, Dr. Craig would open successful dental practices in KY, IN, TN, and CA. He eventually earned post-doctoral certifications from Purdue, Alabama and Harvard Universities.
Dr. Craig was the very first dentist to widely advertise through the public media in KY, in the late 1970’s. He was a Rotarian who enjoyed camping, fishing, golf, hunting, sailing, skiing, traveling and always learning.
Dr. Craig was predeceased by his parents Leo and Theda of KY; and his youngest sibling Barry of TX.
He is survived by his younger sister Yvonne of KY; his younger brother John Wayne of SC; his two children Wendy of KY and Darrell Lee of FL; grandchildren Travis Lee, Tiffany Tia, Lila Dawn, and Aslyn Isabella; great-grandson Cayson Lee; and his 3 beloved rescue cats – Teddy, Caroline and Casper.
His Life Celebration is being hosted by Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home 3601 Old Jennings Road in Middleburg, FL.
Dr. Craig will be laid to rest in the Jacksonville National Veterans Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com for the CRAIG family.
