We were fortunate enough to have Craig emcee our wedding in December 2019.   Not only was Craig a dear family friend to the Tiller family, but after only meeting him for a few moments, my soon to be husband could tell that he was the lucky one, as he exuded nothing but kindness and sincere interest when he sat and talked with Scott.  That is a rare talent, especially in today’s world.  Though Craig did not know my husband well, he made my husband feel like a seasoned friend, one whom he had known for years. Craig and my husband immediately bonded over our military service; and they began speaking about our various experiences and realized that they both shared an extraordinarily strong passion for aviation as well as our love for our country. Craig and soon to be husband spent the next couple of hours engaged in a very spirited discussion about the evolution of aircraft and what our favorite planes were.  Not hard to do when you get two avid aviation enthusiasts together.  

Most importantly, Craig did a wonderful job emceeing our wedding and made our special day not only beautiful but also a lasting memory that we will hold dear for the rest of our lives.  It is always tough when we lose the “good ones” in our lives, but it is even tougher when we lose the “great ones”.  For us, it is even more difficult when those “great ones”, are a veteran of this great country.   Craig was that individual on every level.  His selfless service to our country and to those of us who were lucky enough to have known him, he will not be forgotten.  Rest in Peace my friend.  

Love, 
Scott & Mickie Bishopp



Craig was an exceptional human being.  He was a friend, mentor and fellow Navy veteran.  He taught me so much about Human Resources, people management (theory X and Y leadership styles) and life in general.  He was a pleasure to be around and was respected in his field by all who knew him.  I enjoyed working with Craig and my day was always better when interacting with him on projects.   He was intelligent, funny, caring and always respectful.  I am a better person from knowing Craig.  He will be greatly missed.   

All too often the term “one of a kind” is used but in Craig’s case it genuinely applies. Craig was a mentor to me and so many others early in our careers. As he loved to say he was “leather tough, and panther quick” The man fought cancer so many times and always kept an optimistic outlook. He always had a story or experience to share even if it was an example of what not to do. He made work interesting and fun. He will be sorely missed. 

Craig was my good friend and he will be greatly missed. The world will not be the same without his sunny disposition and good humor. He was a true gentleman.

Craig was a good friend. But also an incredible mentor. In my first job out of the military he took me under his wing and taught me so much about human resources management, but more so how to be a good person. I will miss his enduring sense of humor about all things. 

He was a proud Navy Veteran.  A true servant leader.  



Craig was that rare type of individual in your Corporate Career that  is nearly impossible to forget.  He was quite a character.  We worked together for 8 years at Southdown now CEMEX in Human Resources.  Some of my fondest memories of Craig are traveling with him to the various plant operations in Central Florida and Southern California to conduct training and employee informational meetings.  One of his favorite catch phrases when developing a strategic plan was "form follows function." I remember stopping for lunch or dinner during our travels, and the restaurant hostess would query, "are the two of you together?"  Craig's standard retort was, "we are together, but we are not dating."  
I remember visiting him in 2000 when he was battling cancer and a shadow of his former self.  He must have made an amazing recovery.  
I remember him talking about Cherry, the love of his life, and how she would always slip "love greeting cards" in his briefcase when he would travel.
Such a good guy, so many great, fun moments, my hunch is that he will be missed by many family and friends.

Heaven only knows where I would be if I had not met Craig over 17 years ago. Craig was the first person I met from CEMEX . I was at a very low point in my life when I walked into that very first interview. His demeanor lifted my spirits and left a lasting impression as he has been an inspiration since that day. CEMEX couldn’t have asked for a better mascot. Not only did he make an influence at work, he also made it a point to offer support to other Cancer patients. His living was not in vain. Nicole and I extend our deepest condolences to the family. Please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything. 

OBITUARY

Craig Brackett Thomas Jr.

August 26, 1946 – February 15, 2021

Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill

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