Edward Spencer Craig

Edward “Ed” Spencer Craig, 83, passed away on June 9, 2022, in the intensive care unit of Memorial Hospital in Tampa, Florida, with his devoted wife Ellen (Benson) Craig by his side, after a battle with liver cancer. Ed and Ellen would have celebrated 62 years of marriage on the 28th of June and shared their entire married life in the same house in south Tampa, raising their children and near family.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Ed was the youngest son of Charles and Edna (Gourley) Craig and had an older brother Richard Craig. Ed was on track to begin Ford Motor Company’s development program, however, his parents retired to Tampa, and he graduated from Plant High School in 1957. After matriculation, Ed attended the University of Florida for two years and returned home to manage the stock room at S&S Cafeteria in Britton Plaza.

It was there that he met Ellen, who was working as a cashier. They were married in 1960 at Bel-mar Presbyterian Church, with college roommate Jim Cavenaugh as his best man and Ellen’s younger sister Judy as her maid of honor. Later, Jim and Judy, who met at their wedding, got married, and bought a house down the street from the Craig’s, where they still reside.

Ed joined the Tampa Police Department and served for seven years before starting a new career as an industrial/ commercial electrician. After working locally for many years, he worked in various locations across the country, wherever his expertise was needed. He enjoyed telling stories about the years he spent “on the road” working in that field. When his sons were young, Ed was a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America for years. He was blessed to be able to retire early to enjoy time with his family, pets, and delight in a variety of hobbies.

His hobbies were as diverse as: BBQ grilling, and smoking meats, where his pulled pork and smoked meatloaves were legendary in the family and neighborhood; to making jewelry with dichroic glass, semi-precious stones and wire; fishing; and building a grandfather clock from scratch. A fan of NASCAR, the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Bucs, and the Tampa Bay Lightning, one of the last things he was able to do was watch one of the Lightning play-off games. We know he is cheering them on to the Stanley Cup!

He is survived by his caring wife Ellen, son Edward “Allen” Craig (Dena), son Karl Craig (Marjorie), grandchildren Chris Barfield-Craig (Katie), Chris Baker (Brandy), Randy Baker (Lindsay), Sarah Barfield-Craig Zipter, Blake Guillory, Amanda Guillory, Sydney Craig, and six great-grandchildren. At the last family event, the pure joy that radiated from Ed during his 83rd birthday as he was surrounded by his loving family, friends, and beloved puppy-dog Suri will never be forgotten.

At 10 AM on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, a viewing and visitation will be held, followed by a short service at 11 AM at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. An escort by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has been requested to the gravesite at Myrtle Hill Cemetery located at 4207 E. Lake Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610 for interment. Following interment, a visitation and light refreshments will be enjoyed back at Blount & Curry on MacDill, where we will share memories, stories, and hugs.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Edward Craig’s name to the American Cancer Society.