Gerald "Jerry" Stone Craig

Gerald (known to most as Jerry) was born September 26, 1931 in Louisville, the only child of Ada Gladys Stone and Isaac Hiram Craig. He attended Frayser Elementary School in South Louisville before graduating with distinction from duPont Manual High School as salutatorian of the class of 1949. Upon graduation, he attended Speed Scientific School at the University of Louisville before joining the United States Air Force. His stint in the service took him to Japan and Korea and generated many interesting tales. He returned to his hometown to work for AT&T at the old art deco building at 5th and Chestnut, and he retired from there after 37 years.

Jerry was an avid sports fan and shared his love of sports with his children and grandchildren. He was a die hard supporter of all UofL sports and until recent years, he loved to tailgate at Cardinal Stadium with his daughters. He was devoted to his 6 grandchildren and along with his wife Della, cared for many of them when they were small. Jerry was also dedicated to the care and rescue of all stray animals that crossed his path – Yoshi, Blackie, Ada and Killer will miss their dad.

Jerry was a life-long learner and reader with a very curious mind. Though he was usually the smartest guy in the room, he never let you know it unless a factual question arose. He was a connoisseur of good non-fiction, White Castle and all things chocolate. He had a keen sense of humor.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Della Marie Blanford, who passed in 2017. Survivors include his 4 children – Alan Craig (Karen), Karen Finn (Paul), Sharon Craig and Lisa C. Tinnell – and his sister-in-law Marlene Blanford; 6 grandchildren – Ashley and Kyle Craig, Michael (Brittany) and Jared (Christina) Tinnell, Matthew and Eric Finn; and 7 great-grandchildren – Aubree, Christian, Isaac, Iris, Henry, Wolf and Wilder.

A funeral mass for Jerry will be held at 10 am Saturday at Holy Name Catholic Church, 2914 So. 3rd St. with burial to follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Loretto, KY. Visitation will be held at the Southern Home of Arch L. Heady & Son, 3601 Taylor Blvd. from 2-8 pm on Friday.

Memorial gifts may be made to the KY Humane Society.