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BORN
1931
DIED
2020
David Craig Obituary
Dave peacefully passed on at home to join his heavenly heroes Monday morning after a short illness; he was 88 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty, children, beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and a wide network of friends. He was born an only child to proud parents, Charlie and Nova in Waukesha, WI on November 29, 1931. Dave grew up on a busy farm and loved spending days with his dad tending to the dairy cows and fields. He is a proud veteran of the US Army and earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his Doctorate of Education at Cornell University. He retired Professor Emeritus from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, after more than 30 years in the colleges of Education and Agriculture. A proud Master Gardener, Dave started the HUG program to provide free landscaping plans and plants to new Habitat for Humanity home owners. He was a faithful volunteer and member of Church Street United Methodist Church for more than 53 years. He taught Sunday School, served as Head Usher, volunteered on many committees and mission opportunities, and provided gallons of blueberries and other home grown vegetables for the Hunger Helper market each Summer. Dave was physically active all his life and ran the Knoxville Expo for 25 years. He was proud of his three children, Susan Walker (Jesse) of Nashville, Scott Craig (Jill) of Hillsboro, OR, and Laurie Craig of Knoxville. He enjoyed teaching, gardening, traveling the globe, telling stories, his family and most often, bible study, writing, and simply digging in the dirt. His final contribution to education and science was the donation of his body to the medical units of The University of Tennessee. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Church Street United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to the Building Fund at Church Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1303, Knoxville, TN 37901, or the Knox County Master Gardeners, https://knoxcountymastergardeners.wildapricot.org/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Craig
Chris Sneed
March 14, 2020
Dave was an amazing example and a wonderful inspiration to me on my faculty journey. He will hold a special place in my heart.
Stephane Kit
March 14, 2020
Betty, I have long admired your marriage to Dave and all the adventures you shared. May those happy memories sustain you in this difficult time. Stephanie Kit
Paul and JoeAnne Rodgers
March 14, 2020
Betty, JoeAnne and I extend our condolences to you and your family. We have missed our Silversneakers friends since moving to Arizona. We admired the example that you and Dave set. God Bless you.
Donna L.
March 14, 2020
It was a privilege to learn from his Sunday School lessons, be greeted by that genuine huge smile, to be assisted from the altar stairs, hear his presentation on his & Betty's African trip, listen to his testimony, & witness his love of service to our Lord, & brothers & sisters in Christ. I will really miss him.
Lynne Liddington
March 13, 2020
Dr. Craig was a dear man. In 1976, he was my supervisor for my student teaching and he always remembered me. I have been volunteering with Habitat for about 20 years now. May he rest in heavenly peace.
Millie Meese
March 13, 2020
Oh, Betty, I am so sorry. Sending you and your family prayers for comfort and peace. Love you!
Jan Borkowski
March 13, 2020
Betty, Im So sorry to learn of Davids passing. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. With sincere condolences and big hugs,
Becky Polite
March 12, 2020
Betty and family, I pray for comfort at this time of physical loss of such a wonderful man. But we know his suffering is over and hes planting a beautiful garden in heaven! I always enjoyed our conversations before and after SilverSneakers and admired you both for your adventurous spirit. I hope the rhubarb Dave replanted is still doing well! He will truly be missed, a very special man, indeed!
James Reego
March 11, 2020
I will miss David very much. We had an opportunity to get to know him better through the four course meals, and this is one of the finest men that I have ever met at Church Street United Methodist Church. He once told me, not many men will come down after communion and grab my hand as I a lot of the ladies do, but since I have a problem with my left hand, I was used to giving him a wink and grabbed his hand on the way down. I will miss his smile and this very friendly and loving man that I'm thankful I got to know. God bless you my friend!
Lisa Davis
March 11, 2020
David; an intelligent, loving, kind,funny, and humble family man, whom will be missed greatly by family and friends!
Steve Lewis
March 11, 2020
Betty and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of our years as neighbors on the lake. You are in our prayers.
Steve & Susan Lewis
Rochelle Nelson
March 11, 2020
Betty, please know that you and your family are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Clint Ellison
March 11, 2020
Dave was a man I looked up to in so many ways... He lived a life that was an inspiration to me. His discipline, his many interests, his devotion to his wife and family and God, the joy he projected when talking about his gardening, his sense of humor and his boundless energy. All of these traits, and more, were powerful examples of leading others by example. I will miss him so much.
March 11, 2020
Dave was a wonderful person who was always willing to share his knowledge and love of agriculture, horticulture and life in general.
Having the pleasure of working with him on the H.U.G. program will be among my most cherished memories.
My condolences to the Craig family.
Karen Trentham Dinwiddie
Kevin & Melinda Grimac
March 10, 2020
How fortunate were we to have Dave & Betty as our neighbors ? A life well lived. God Bless
Bari Gerbig
March 10, 2020
As a new Master Gardener, I remember how Dr. Craig made it a point to welcome me. Prayers to his family please.
Bari B. Gerbig
March 10, 2020
Dave Craig was a wonderful influence on many of us Church Streeters. I'm so glad our paths crossed. Peace be to you all.
Terri Ward
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