Richard Craig

Mr. Richard Ellis Craig, Sr. passed away on January 18, 2018. Richard was born in McDonough, GA the son of the late John Hugh Craig, Sr. and Mildred Cowan Craig. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Hugh Craig, Jr., Lamar Craig, Robert Craig, Herbert Craig, Larry Craig and Martha Craig Bolien Watts. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Nancy B. Craig, brothers: Bobby Craig, Sammy (Kim) Craig, Mike (Brenda) Craig; children: Ricky Craig, John Craig, Angie Pavelka, Laurie (Tim) Steele, Linda Bowden, , Hal (Stacey) Moore, Darvi (David) Jackson, Rose Jones, Dorn (Pam) Cagle and Sparta (Tracey) Cagle, 21 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard graduated from McDonough High School, served in the U.S. Army, was a member of Turner UMC, and retired from Bellsouth after 33 years. He was a servant at heart and was involved in many areas of the community including politics, civics and sports. He was on the Henry County Board of Education for 10 years, was elected as a City Councilman for two terms, Mayor of the City of McDonough for two terms and was on the 2017 Board of Elections & Registration. Richard was a Member/Past President of Kiwanis, Charter member of Henry County Moose Lodge #2170 and delivered Meals on Wheels for 20+ years. He was President of the HCHS Booster Club, President of the Henry County Recreation Board and was instrumental in the creation of the Sunshine League Special Needs Complex and bringing the AABC Roberto Clemente World Series to McDonough. He coached numerous ball teams, umpired throughout the county, and was an avid Georgia Tech fan. Some of the many awards he received include being inducted into the Henry County Sports Hall of Fame and the ASA Georgia Coaches/Umpire Hall of Fame. Richard Craig Field at Alexander Park, the Craig/Lunsford field at HCHS and the Richard Craig Park were all named in his honor. He was known for his leadership, vision, determination and compassion.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Turner United Methodist Church with Rev. Leon Baxter and Rev. James Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park in McDonough.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to People First of Henry County, P.O. Box 806, Lovejoy, Ga 30250.