GEORGE L. CRAIG JR.
July 13, 1924-Jan. 9, 2011
George L. Craig Jr., 86, passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro, N.C., surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Winchester, Va., to the late George and Anna Fling Craig, he graduated from high school at age 16, and joined the Marines. Between basic training and orders to California, he married the love of his life, Jane Porterfield Myers, at Christ Episcopal Church in Winchester in 1943, which completed the promise they made to each other at a young age.
He served with the 5th Marine Division at the Battle of Iwo Jima, and then in Japan as part of the occupying forces following the end of World War II.
A lifelong educator, he taught biology at his alma mater, and served as principal for 17 years. His kindness, sense of honor and love of country touched thousands of students between 1955 and his retirement in 1985. He treasured friendships with teachers, students and fellow Rotarians.
George and Jane traveled by motor home for many years, spending time with family in North Carolina, California, Ohio and Texas. Their marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them. They lived in Goldsboro for the past two years close to family.
George counted his blessings daily, and never prayed without asking God to keep our troops safe around the world.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jane Myers Craig; his sons and daughters-in-law, George III and Nancy Craig and Chip and Becky Craig; and his grandchildren Sarah Craig, Kristin Craig, Marion and Dan Hinkley, Kari Craig, George Craig IV, Ginny and Paul Haagenson, Stephanie and Jeremy Greever and Meredith Craig; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Winchester, Va., Saturday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m., followed by interment at Mount Hebron Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Staff Education Fund at Wayne Memorial Hospital in honor of the tender care provided to George by the second floor staff.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 11, 2011 1:47 PM