Richard Arney Craig

Birthplace: Carthage, MO

Parents: Curtis Raymond Craig, father

Myra Corrine Craig, mother

Resides in: Hurst, Texas

Survived by: Lyn Craig, wife of 46 years

Son: Alan Craig and wife, Jennifer – Hurst, TX

Son: Mark Craig and wife, Laura – Cedar Hill, TX

Grandchildren: Anna, Grace & Joshua Craig – Hurst, TX

Brother: Robert Craig and wife, Catherine – Brenham, TX

Sister: Robyn Hight and husband, Larry – Lufkin, TX

Brother: Rodney Craig and wife, Janie – Lindale, TX

Brother: Reggie Craig and wife, Karen – Waco, TX

Mother-in-Law: Jody Claytor – Maypearl, TX

Sister-in-Law: Louanne Hibbets and husband, Ken – Maypearl, TX

Sister-in-Law: Laure Henthorn and husband, Les – Maypearl, TX

And MANY nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by: Father: Curtis Raymond Craig

Mother: Myra Corrine Craig

Brother: Randal Gordon Craig

Brother: Russell William Craig

Richey and his family moved to Baytown, Texas when he was 3. The destiny of the Craig family was forever changed when Richey’s dad, the town drunk, heard and responded to the message of the gospel. Recognizing Richey’s love for music, his parents made a financial sacrifice and purchased a used piano when he was in the 3rd grade. Richey ran all the way home from school that day because of the excitement. He accepted Christ as his Savior at age 10 and a few years later at youth camp, felt the call of God to Christian ministry.

He graduated from Robert E. Lee high school in Baytown then went to Howard Payne University on a music scholarship.

In 1965 at Six Flags Over Texas, Richey could be found playing the piano in the Crazy Horse Saloon. While in college Richey traveled with other students doing revivals around the country. After graduation, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for 2 years when he received a call from John McKay with the James Robison Evangelistic Association about traveling with them and playing the piano for crusades which he did until 1976. He met his wife, Lyn in 1966 at crusade in Midland, Texas. They started dating in 1969 and married in 1970.

He was pianist at Glenview Baptist Church for 30 years, Wedgwood Baptist Church for 3 years and had a wallpaper business. He retired in 2009.

Richey was a helpful, supportive, loving, and especially proud husband… especially during Lyn’s nursing school days, always reminding her that she could do this! He was Alan & Mark’s biggest fan, and was so proud of their love of music, their God given talents & their hearts for God. He adored Jennifer & Laura – the women he had prayed for even before they were born, and his grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. Richey was the #1 babysitter for years making lots of memories with “Grandpa dates,” trips to the park, the train, sleepovers, his world famous “Grandpa burritos” and lived out his faith with them as well. He will be greatly missed from his music that filled the home, his tender heart that brought tears to his eyes quite often and his quick wit, humor and even his puns that were always sure to get an “Oh! Dad!” Most of all, Richey died like he lived, trusting his Heavenly Father.

Services will be held Saturday, January 26, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Colleyville at 1:00 pm