Michael Craddock

Michael R. Craddock PORTSMOUTH - Michael Roy Craddock, known as Mickey or Mike, passed away Friday evening, Oct. 17, 2008, at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. Born Oct. 26, 1948, Mickey passed away just nine days before his 60th birthday. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary B. Craddock. A native of Suffolk, Mickey had a long career as an accountant, working with The Great Atlantic and Pacific Peanut Company (A&P) in Suffolk, Metro Machine in Norfolk, and The Faneuil Group in Newport News. He was an active ballroom dancer, belonging to the Nansemond Cotillion Club and teaching ballroom dancing privately for several years. He loved music, especially classic tenors and was a supporter of the Virginia Opera and the Virginia Opera Guild. Travel, art collecting and entertaining were his passions as was cooking. Mickey loved his neighbors and friends and fed them all at frequent parties and special events such as his Kentucky Derby parties. Mickey is survived by his father, F. Roy Craddock; two sisters, Leila (Bob) Tompert and Antoinette (Butch) Twiford, all of Suffolk; four brothers, Wayne (Mary) of Stony Point, N.C., Terry (Cleo) of Eure, N.C., Alan (Marcia) of Danville and Tony (Bobbi) of Statesboro, Ga. His life partner of 37 years, Paul Meadors and his rescue dogs Ted E. Bear and Katrina also survive him. Mickey had numerous nieces and nephews who all held a special place in his heart, and to him each was his favorite. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mickey's home. R.W. Baker Funeral Services of Suffolk is serving the family. Memorial donations may be made to the Virginia Opera Guild online at vaopera.org. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.