Craig Sr., age 67, of Alpharetta, GA passed away peacefully on January 23, 2023 in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born to the late Joseph N. Small, Sr., and the late Martha Roberts Small, on February 21, 1956, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in Duxbury, Massachusetts. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Martha.
He graduated from Duxbury high school in 1974 and went on to study at Roger Williams College before returning home to marry his high school sweetheart, Michelle Santos, and work at Smalltren Engineering, the family-owned machine shop. Soon they began their family with the birth of their first son, Craig E. Small, Jr., followed by their second son, Marcus D.C. Small.
Craig Sr. was known for “marching to his own beat” and enjoyed a variety of hobbies and activities when not working. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing, bow-hunting, working on his vintage 1979 Jeep CJ-5, cooking, and even learning how to work with macramé (a skill taught to him by his great aunt Christine). And let’s not forget his love for Georgia Bulldogs football – GO DAWGS!
Craig was affectionately considered the “spiritual leader” of his extended family, having served as an acolyte (altar boy) at St. John’s Episcopal in Duxbury, MA; and later joining St. James United Methodist Church, in Alpharetta, GA. He was never far from the word of God. “There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
1 Corinthians 12
During his tenure at Smalltren Engineering, he won special recognition as minority vendor of the year. He put Arizona Iced Tea “on the map” as the first northeast regional manager in the spirits and beverage industry. Craig later worked in the financial services industry rising through the ranks to become a senior mortgage banker. He prided himself in his ability to “change lives” as a passionate advocate for first-time home buyers and those who were marginalized in the mortgage industry because of color and race.
Craig leaves behind two adult children, Craig Jr. (Ana), and Marcus (Jasmin), and six beautiful “super smart” grandchildren: Stephanie, Rafael, Adrian, Donte, Callen, and Raiden.
He is survived by siblings; Joseph “Joel” Jr., Lance Sr., Kurtis Sr., Sharna (Joe Borsellino, Esq), and Dr. Tracey MD (Clifford Wilson). He also leaves behind an extended family including a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, aunts, uncles, close friends, and colleagues.
#TeamCraig was comprised of so many individuals and organizations who worked tirelessly to support Craig during this difficult illness, and we are eternally grateful. A special thank you to the medical professionals at the Georgia Cancer Center, Longleaf Hospice Services of Alpharetta, and a special thank-you to Craig’s long-time friend Georgina Lopez.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2023 @ 11:00 am at St. James United Methodist Church, 3000 Webb Bridge Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30009, followed by a repast at Chestene Carter Center for Excellence next door.
For those who wish to make a donation in Craig Sr.’s memory, please consider the Lust Garten Foundation https://lustgarten.org/donatenow/?form=give
Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076. Please share your memories or condolences with the family at www.roswellfuneralhome.com
