Craig Dell Wall

Craig Dell Wall, known to many as Carlos, Tex, or Filbert, passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio, Texas, on August 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 12, 1952, in Seminole, Texas, Craig was the son of Paula June (Austin) Wall and G.R. Wall. He grew up working alongside his father on the family farm, a foundation that shaped his work ethic and character throughout his life. From an early age, Craig was known for his kind heart, warm nature, and an unyielding sense of humor. He never met a stranger and made every person feel welcome in his presence. 

Craig was a proud graduate of Seminole High School, Class of 1970, where he played football as number 60. He joked that he was “the best left guard on the field.” Though smaller than most, he never once allowed a sack. He began his college studies at Texas Tech University where he made lifelong friends before transferring to his beloved University of Texas at Austin, becoming an Orangeblood for life. Following graduation, Craig joined the Peace Corps, serving outside of Yegros, Paraguay from 1975 to 1977, teaching local farmers advanced farming techniques. His time there included adventurous travels throughout Central and South America — from Costa Rica to Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru — including a month-long journey down the Paraguay River on a raft he and his friends built by hand. Returning to the U.S. in 1977, he began his career as a social worker. 

In 1978, Craig embarked on a motorcycle road trip around the country, during which he survived an accident caused by a drunk driver. Craig lost his left leg and nearly his arm — but never his spirit. His life was saved by the quick action of his two best friends, Bill Mills and Hank Daniel. Doctors told Craig he would never walk, play guitar, or drive a standard transmission again. He proved them all wrong. He didn’t just walk — he jumped, he danced, he walked his daughter down the aisle. He didn’t just play guitar — he played for his children and grandchildren. And he didn’t just drive — he taught his kids how to drive stick shift in the car he bought just to prove he could. That was Craig Wall: resilient, joyful, and unstoppable.

In 1979, Craig married Sarah Wolf, with whom he had a daughter, Laura. In 1988, he married the love of his life, Sandra McNabb. Together, they raised two sons, Aaron and Daniel, and built a life centered on service, advocacy, and unconditional love. 

Craig dedicated his career to fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. In the early 1980s, he was invited to work on Navajo Nation as a social worker supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. He later served as the Executive Director of LIFE Independent Living Center in Lubbock, and then as Executive Director of SAILS Independent Living in San Antonio. He was appointed by the Governor to the Texas State Independent Living Council, where he proudly served as Vice-Chairman. Craig’s work was instrumental in the passage of the 1994 Texas Accessibility Standards into law, ensuring buildings in Texas complied with accessibility requirements. His mission was to ensure people with disabilities had the tools and support they needed to live independently and with dignity. He dreamt of a barrier-free society. 

Retiring in 2001, Craig dedicated his remaining years to raising his family, cheering for his kids pool-side, becoming a Certified Master Gardener in Xeriscaping, doting on his grandchildren, rooting for the Longhorns, and nurturing his lifelong love of languages, travel, and music. 

Craig is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sandi Wall; his daughter Laura Wall-Trinh and son-in-law Ben Trinh; his son Aaron Wall and daughter-in-law Anna-Lisa Esquivel; his son Daniel Wall and daughter-in-law Leah Leonard-Wall; and his cherished grandchildren Hilo Trinh, Remy Trinh, and Camilla Esquivel. He is also survived by his brother Dennis Wall and sister-in-law Cindy Wall; in-laws Cheri and Robert Mooring, Pat and Carl Romero, Richard and Bethany Trombley; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a vast constellation of chosen family, beloved friends, bemused acquaintances, and admirers who remember him as a bright, quirky light in this world.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paula and G.R. Wall; his mother- and father-in-law, Jo and Millard McNabb; and his sister-in-law, Debbie Trombley.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm, Monday, August 18, 2025 at Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 11093 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78250. A live stream will be available for those who wish to celebrate Craig but cannot travel. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Craig’s memory may be made to UNICEF, an organization close to his heart.