George R. Craig, Sr.

Turners Falls, Masschusetts
George R. Craig, Sr., 84, of 5 Sunrise Terrace Apartments, Bulkley Street, died Friday evening, March 4, 2016 at the Charlene Manor Extended Care Facility, 130 Colrain Road, Greenfield, MA, following a period of declining health, surrounded by members of his loving family.
A native of Rumney, NH, George was born on May 30, 1931 to Ray A. and Viola (Montbleau) Craig and was educated in Plymouth, NH public schools.  George worked for the Colins Trucking Company as a driver, prior enlisting in the US Army in June of 1948. He served honorably with the 7th Field Artillery Battalion and was discharged in May of 1950.  Upon his return to civilian life, he resumed working for the Colins Trucking Company until he enlisted in the USAF in January of 1951, where he served honorably in the 564th Intelligence Squadron during the Korean Conflict and was discharged in September of 1953.
Upon his return to civilian life for the second time, he accepted a position with the James Calder Heating & Plumbing Co., as an assistant manager until he moved to Greenfield, MA in 1960.  There, he worked for Brooks Roofing Co., Bryant’s Roofing Co., and J.A Jubb Roofing as a laborer.  He retired from J.A. Jubb and began working as a driver for the former Al’s Cab Co., later for City Cab Co., and was a dispatcher for the Ace Cab Co., prior to his final retirement.  
George enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cribbage and crazy eights and tinkering around his home.  He was a member of the John J. Galvin American Legion Post #81 of Greenfield, MA and the VFW Post #8503 of Shelburne Falls, MA and was a former member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #997 in Greenfield, MA for several years.  George was an avid NASCAR racing fan, in particular of #4 Kevin Harvick and was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox.
He married the former Lois C. Wetherby on November 10, 1951 in Richford, VT, in the First Baptist Church.  They celebrated 45 years of marriage together, residing at 18 Phillips Street, Greenfield, MA prior to her passing in October of 1997.  
Survivors include his loving children:  George R. Craig, Jr., of Heath, MA; Steven A. Craig and his wife Mari, of Heath, MA; Leon P. Craig of Greenfield, MA; Calista R. Crowell and her husband Michael, of Turners Falls, MA and Anne E.  Louden and her husband James of Greenfield, MA.  Additionally, George is remembered with affection by his sister-in-law, Nan Craig, wife of his late brother Stuart, of Westfield, MA and by his brother-in-law Homer Wetherby of Sheldon, VT.  George also leaves 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren who adore him and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who will remember him with great affection.  He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his son James R. “Bear” Craig (2012) and by his sister Barbara Goodwin, her husband Doug and their son Tom.  
A memorial service will be observed at the Faith Baptist Church, 331 Silver Street, Greenfield, MA, with Rev. Joseph DiDonato, Pastor as the officiant on Wednesday,March 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM.  Rites of committal and inurnment will follow in the Green River Cemetery, Greenfield, MA with full military honors to be observed.  A detachment of the Elite Patriot Honor Guard of the USAF from Westover AFB will be in attendance, assisted by the Hale-Clapp VFW Post #3295 of South Deerfield, MAproviding a firing detail.  The Craig family will receive guests in the fellowship hall of the church prior to the memorial services from 10:00AM until the time of the service. 
Expressions of affection in the form of a charitable contribution in George’s memory are encouraged in lieu of flowers to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, or to the John J. Galvin American Legion Post #81, Legion Avenue, P.O. Box 2697, Greenfield, MA 01302 or to Life Path, (formerly FCHCC) 330 Montague City Road, Turners Falls, MA 01376.

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