Andrew Boyd Craig

Andrew Boyd Craig passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 25th, 2013, in Austin, Texas. At 98 years old, he was generous of spirit and a joy to be around. He was born on March 7, 1915 in Hamilton, Texas. He was one of nine children born to R.E. Craig and Jeanetta Walker Craig.

He graduated salutatorian from Hamilton High School in 1931. He began his management career with the A&P Grocery chain in 1939, which included stores in Gatesville, Dublin, Waco, Mexia, and Temple, Texas. In 1946 he opened his own newsstand in Killeen, Texas. With his business success, an expansion was necessary. This became a community focal point, known as “Craig’s” in downtown Killeen. This business was a beloved icon for the community. It was a perfect place to hear the latest record, sip on a soda fountain favorite, all while shopping for the latest gifts, cosmetics, school supplies and much more.

He was embraced by his community, becoming President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1951, a founding member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Killeen, a member of the Masonic Lodge, bank director of First National Bank and Citizens National Bank, owner of Killeen General Hospital, and later Killeen Nursing Home and Crestview Nursing Home in Belton. In his early retirement years he was elected to the Killeen Water Board Commission. He became an active member of Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church after moving to Austin, Texas.

Andy married the love of his life, Louise Stewart, from Llano, Texas, on September 7, 1941. She was his beloved friend, business partner, and the mother of their two daughters, Sarah Craig Peters and Nettie Craig Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, and his wife, Louise Stewart Craig. He is survived by daughters, Sarah Craig Peters and her husband, Ralph Peters from Austin, Texas and Nettie Craig Martin and her husband, Gary Martin from Newport Beach California, and three extraordinary grandchildren, Elizabeth Antry from Istanbul, Turkey, Andrew Peters from Austin, Texas, and Joanna Peters from San Antonio, Texas, and many much loved nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank West Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center where Andy resided for the past sixteen months, and Dr. Bruce Koehler his longtime physician and friend from Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas.

Graveside Services will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Llano City Cemetery in Llano, Texas with Reverend Larry Coulter from Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas.