Eugene Craig
April 14, 1933 — November 2, 2017
Eugene Craig was born on April 14, 1933 in Columbus, Ga. and passed away on November 2, 2017. He was born to Walter A. Craig and Ida Mae Craig. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Williamson Craig and his brother Louie Craig of Birmingham, Al.
Mr. Craig or "Gene" as he was called by most, was the son of mill workers who migrated to Columbus from Alabama and Talbot County, Ga. where he was born and raised in the North Highland neighborhood of Columbus. Mr. Craig graduated from Jordan High School in 1951 and became the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He received his Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Georgia Teacher's College and later earned his Master's degree and two Specialist degrees for Auburn University and Columbus College.
Mr. Craig met the love of his life, Jeanette, at Hamp Stevens Methodist Church and later married in 1958. They were happily married for 57 years until Jeanette's death in 2016. Together they raised two children, Michael and Sharon.
Mr. Craig would go on to serve as a teacher at Jordan High School and Reese Road Elementary before becoming principal of the old Midland School. Soon after, he became the first principal at Crystal Valley Elementary School, later named Waddell Elementary. He remained principal of Waddell for 29 years prior to his retirement. His 41 years in education fulfilled his purpose and passion for educating children. Along the way, he would become the president of the Muscogee County Principal's Association, the treasurer of the Muscogee County Educator's Association and the president of the Muscogee County Retired Educators Association.
Following retirement, Gene and Jeanette were able to travel beyond their hometown to see faraway places as Australia, Europe, and Alaska to name a few. These trips were the source of many stories shared with their family. Still, the treasured stories remained centered around nickel matinees in Bibb City, life in the Hancock House in Beallwood, and growing up during and immediately following the Great Depression.
Gene and Jeanette's dedication to education and their impassioned beliefs in giving back to their community, guided Gene's decision to establish the Craig Scholarship Award after Jeanette's passing. The Scholarship honors recipients in their desire to continue their education and obtain a college degree.
Gene is also a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and the Discovery Sunday School Class.
Mr. Craig is survived by his son Michael Craig (Ashley) of Fortson, GA; daughter, Sharon White (Gary) of Midland, GA; 5 grandchildren, Amanda Jeffery (Sean), Emily Collins (Joseph), Kaitlin Craig, Cal Lavoie and Ally Craig; 3 great- grandchildren, Landon Collins, Ian Jeffery, and Duncan Jeffery and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Monday, November 6, 2017 at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Reverend Dick Reese officiating. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-6 PM Sunday, November 5, 2017 at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA. 31907.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Safe House Ministries or the Valley Rescue Mission of Columbus.
Mr. Craig or "Gene" as he was called by most, was the son of mill workers who migrated to Columbus from Alabama and Talbot County, Ga. where he was born and raised in the North Highland neighborhood of Columbus. Mr. Craig graduated from Jordan High School in 1951 and became the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He received his Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Georgia Teacher's College and later earned his Master's degree and two Specialist degrees for Auburn University and Columbus College.
Mr. Craig met the love of his life, Jeanette, at Hamp Stevens Methodist Church and later married in 1958. They were happily married for 57 years until Jeanette's death in 2016. Together they raised two children, Michael and Sharon.
Mr. Craig would go on to serve as a teacher at Jordan High School and Reese Road Elementary before becoming principal of the old Midland School. Soon after, he became the first principal at Crystal Valley Elementary School, later named Waddell Elementary. He remained principal of Waddell for 29 years prior to his retirement. His 41 years in education fulfilled his purpose and passion for educating children. Along the way, he would become the president of the Muscogee County Principal's Association, the treasurer of the Muscogee County Educator's Association and the president of the Muscogee County Retired Educators Association.
Following retirement, Gene and Jeanette were able to travel beyond their hometown to see faraway places as Australia, Europe, and Alaska to name a few. These trips were the source of many stories shared with their family. Still, the treasured stories remained centered around nickel matinees in Bibb City, life in the Hancock House in Beallwood, and growing up during and immediately following the Great Depression.
Gene and Jeanette's dedication to education and their impassioned beliefs in giving back to their community, guided Gene's decision to establish the Craig Scholarship Award after Jeanette's passing. The Scholarship honors recipients in their desire to continue their education and obtain a college degree.
Gene is also a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and the Discovery Sunday School Class.
Mr. Craig is survived by his son Michael Craig (Ashley) of Fortson, GA; daughter, Sharon White (Gary) of Midland, GA; 5 grandchildren, Amanda Jeffery (Sean), Emily Collins (Joseph), Kaitlin Craig, Cal Lavoie and Ally Craig; 3 great- grandchildren, Landon Collins, Ian Jeffery, and Duncan Jeffery and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Monday, November 6, 2017 at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Reverend Dick Reese officiating. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-6 PM Sunday, November 5, 2017 at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA. 31907.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Safe House Ministries or the Valley Rescue Mission of Columbus.
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