Dallas Guinell Craighead Jr.

Dallas Guinell Craighead Jr., age 72, of Center Line, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on February 13, 1952, in Gainsboro, Tennessee, Dallas was the cherished son of Dallas Guinell Craighead Sr. and Edna “Geraldine” (née Sisco) Craighead.

Dallas moved from his native Tennessee to Michigan at a young age and grew up in Detroit. He attended Finney High School in northeastern Detroit. Growing up in the city, Dallas met people from various different backgrounds and learned that every person deserves common decency and respect.

It was in the summer of 1971 that Dallas met Jacqueline Padden, the love of his life. From the moment they met, they had a connection like no other. They were married on May 24, 1974, and celebrated 50 years of marriage in May 2024 at Sandbaggers Bar and Grille in Center Line. Together, they raised two children, Jamie and Troy Dallas, and were blessed with three grandchildren, who were the light of Dallas’s life. Family was everything to Dallas. No matter the circumstances, he was always there for his family, supporting them through the various bouts of life. This generosity and love extended to all people; if you were close to Dallas, you were always considered family. He was tenacious, generous, and deeply loyal to his loved ones. His family was his all, and he showed his love through both his actions and his dedication to them.

Dallas was deeply involved in his community, serving on Center Line’s planning commission and as a proud member of the Freemasons. He dedicated many years to the Teamsters Union, local 299, where his commitment to his work and his colleagues was unwavering.

A man of many talents, Dallas was a creative soul with a passion for the arts. Self-taught in stained glass, he crafted beautiful works that showcased his natural talent and immense creativity. Dallas’ artistic abilities showed no limits—he was always finding new ways to engage his creative side. Whether creating new stained glass pieces, drawing pieces for his family, or handcrafting a glass chess board for his grandson. Dallas’ love for art and his creativity are things that will be cherished by his family forever.

In his free time, Dallas enjoyed several different hobbies. His love for collecting novelty hats took him to Henry the Hatter, where he enjoyed adding unique pieces to his collection. A voracious reader, Dallas was particularly interested in philosophy, politics, and history, with a deep appreciation for Ayn Rand’s works. This was something he shared with his children, even teaching them how to debate during their formative years. Dallas was incredibly intuitive--a great reader of character--and had an academic curiosity about the world that enriched his life and those around him. He was also a skilled and enthusiastic chess player, sharing his love of the game with his grandchildren.

Dallas was known for his strong will and his commitment to his principles. He marched to the beat of his own drum and fought for what he believed in, always learning from his experiences and encouraging others to do the same. He had a particular knack for fixing things and was a true jack of all trades. His meticulous nature extended to his garden, where he took great joy in cultivating flowers and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed hunting deer and pheasants, a pastime that connected him with nature and provided moments of reflection.

Dallas Guinell Craighead Jr. will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, his artistic talents, and his unwavering love for his family. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the memories he created.

Dallas is survived by his wife of fifty years, Jackie; children Jamie (Greg) Campbell, and Troy Dallas Craighead; grandchildren, Gregory Campbell III, Cooper Dallas, and Quinton Miles; mother Edna “Geraldine” Craighead; brother Michael Craighead, and sister-in-law Teresia Craighead; niece and nephew, Brandy and Michael; and a host of other family and friends who will miss him dearly. Preceded in death by his father Dallas Guinell Craighead Sr; and his brother Steve Craighead.

Visitation for Dallas will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024 between 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, held at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, located at 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, Michigan 48093. A Masonic Service will take place at 7:00 pm on Friday, September 20, 2024 at the funeral home.

Funeral Service for Dallas will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11:00 am held at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home. There will be a visitation on Saturday, September 21 beginning at 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Utica Macomb Lodge 64, 16680 27 Mile Road Ray, Michigan 48096, as well as Brighton Hospice, 26075 Woodward Avenue #300, Huntington Woods, Michigan 48070.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home.

Please share your fondest memories or stories of Dallas in the guestbook below.