Sir Walter Craig

“He who believes in me shall have everlasting life” were the words he would recite to me all the time. “Do you hear me?”, “Yes sir”, I replied. He was my daddy, Sir Walter Raleigh Craig. He quietly passed into his resurrected life at home in the early morning hours on the 9th of October 2013. Dad was the third of four children born to the late Ashley Craig and Sallie Eliza Newsome Craig. He was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina on the third of October 1921. He lived with his older sister, Louise C. Mills and brother, Louis Vernon whom preceded him in death and his youngest sister, Margaret Inez currently in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dad grew up here is Ahoskie. He attended R. L. Vann High School graduating class of 1939. After graduation, he found his nitch in the career of auto mechanics, working for Andrew Watford at Watford’s Garage. In November 1942, dad was drafted in the Army to fight for his country during Word War II. After serving four years of service, he was honorably discharged in 1946 as a proud, proud World War II veteran. When dad returned home, his auto mechanic skills spoke for itself. He landed a job with Brinkley Motors, later named Central Ford. It was with Ford Company, he became a certified trained technician of over 47 years, specializing in anything dealing with automobiles. His customer service was always his priority, and always willing to give a helping hand. He was called, “Best of the Best”. In 1954 dad met and married my mother Mary, whom he called the apple of his eye, the love of his life for 54 years. They were blessed with two children, my brother and I. My mother and my brother, both preceded him in death, but I’m still here. Just as much as his wife, my mother, dad so loved the Lord. Dad was an early riser, starting with reading his Bible first before anything, and ending with, thanking our Father for another day. He joined early, New Ahoskie Baptist Church, where he faithfully served on the ushers ministry. You dare not be disruptive during the service at church, because daddy would check you at the door; no sir, not on his watch! Daddy was very supportive throughout the Ahoskie community and surrounding towns. He was dedicated to his church, my mother’s churches, Bailey’s Chapel AME, Roxboro, North Carolina and Wactor Temple AME Zion, Ahoskie, North Carolina. He was a loyal member of the Jerusalem Lodge #96 of 45 years, and the American Legion for over 20 years. My earthly father, lived a such a simple, peaceful life. He loved his family and he loved his friends. He was full of wisdom and full of common sense, for his actions truly spoke loud. Oh! and let’s not forget, how he loved the New York Giants, New York Yankees, wrestling, and CNN. My father used to say to me, “I’ll try to teach you all I know, cause I won’t be here long”. Mr. Craig, Craig, Sir Walter, or just simply Walter is survived by his sister Margeret Bradley of Cincinnati, Ohio; his nieces, nephews, cousins, many, many friends and of course me, Gina and the cat named Kitty.

Tributes

Sir Walter Craig

October 3, 1921 - October 9, 2013