William Ray Craig

Born July 20, 1956 in Peoria to James William and Minnie Elizabeth (Holmes) Craig, he married Lora Cottingham on April 29, 1978 at the First Assembly of God in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Ryan Craig, Jason Craig and Nathan (JennyLynn) Craig, all of Pekin; one sister, Wanda (Barry) DeMent of Elmwood; one sister-in-law, Bernice Hartman of Pekin; two brothers-in-law, Raymond (Walter Ogle) Cottingham of Peoria and Roy Cottingham of Pekin; six nieces and nephews, Anita (Kris Crotz) Matheny, John Matheny and Joanna Matheny, all of Peoria and Laura (Jason) Lawrence of Elmwood, Josh (April) DeMent of Biggsville and JaeLee (Khao Toum) DeMent of Elmwood; many great and great-great nieces and nephews and several cousins.

He was preceded by his parents; his in-laws, Woodrow and Kathryn Cottingham and one nephew, Alan Matheny.

Bill was a graduate of Illinois Central College with an Associate Degree in Business Management.

Bill worked as a security officer at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, retiring in April 2016.

An avid St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears fan, He enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, BattleBots and Mystery of Oak Island. He also enjoyed traveling and touring historic homes with his wife and spending time with family. He loved cooking and took great pride in his Christmas decorations.

He was a member of Pekin AMBUCS, where he held various officer positions, and the Pekin Elks #1271.

Bill was a kind and generous person, who left a final gift to the world in the form of a tissue donation through the Gift of Hope.

He attended the First United Methodist Church in Pekin.

His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Pastor James C. McClarey will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday evening at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Boys and Girls Club of Pekin, 1101 Veerman Street, Pekin Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com