Dr. H. Vann Craig M.D.

1935 - 2025

Dr. Harris Vann Craig, passed away on August 29, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on August 31, 1935, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Emma Loucretia Vann Craig and John Harris Craig of Tupelo.

Vann graduated from Tupelo High School with honors in 1953 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 12, a reflection of the discipline, leadership, and service that would guide his life. He attended the University of Mississippi, where he was a Sigma Chi, and became part of the very first class to graduate from the University of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson. After completing an internship in Oklahoma, he served as an Army Captain stationed in Korea, where he was recognized as an expert marksman with both pistol and rifle.

A gifted and dedicated physician, Dr. Craig practiced general surgery in Jackson and Galveston before moving with his wife, Elizabeth, to Natchez in 1967. He served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at both Jefferson Davis Memorial (Natchez Regional) and Natchez Community Hospital, later becoming a member of the Board of Trustees at Natchez Community. His leadership extended across the state: he was elected President of the Mississippi State Medical Association (1996-1997), served as Speaker of the House of Delegates for six years, chaired the Legislative Council for five years, and was a longtime delegate to the American Medical Association. From 1999 until 2009, he served as Executive Director of the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure.

Although his professional accomplishments were many, he often said his greatest achievement was marrying Elizabeth on May 3, 1963. Their marriage was a true partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and funny family stories-like their first date remembered for Elizabeth being dressed like a Ford Model and Vann dressed in three shades of brown. Elizabeth preceded him in death, but their love and legacy remain a cornerstone of the family they built together.

Outside of medicine, Vann was inventive, precise, and full of curiosity. He designed and drew the plans for their home in Natchez, crafting his own light fixtures when he couldn't find any to his liking. He built a greenhouse for his orchids, enjoyed time at the hunting camp, and never lost his joy in creating, building, and fixing things with his own hands. He was an avid reader, and his retention was incredible.

To his patients, he offered both skill and wisdom: "If you ask the right questions and have a good knowledge of medicine, they will tell you what is wrong with them." To his family, he passed down practical guidance: "Pay yourself first, and everything else will take care of itself." To everyone, he reminded: "You can never be too kind to people; you never know what they are going through in their life."

Dr. Craig is survived by his children, Mark Craig (Dianne) and Michael Craig; grandchildren, Shelby Scally (Braeden), Mihailo Nikolic (Jill), Chandler Craig (Christine), Landon Craig (Caroline); and great-grandchild, Cohen Scally.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Craig; and his parents, Mama Johnnie and Daddy Jack.

A celebration of life graveside service will be 9:30 a.m. Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Lee Memorial Park. All are welcome. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Honorary pallbearers will be the officers and board members of the Mississippi State Medical Association and the staff at the Mississippi Medical Board of Licensure.

His family takes comfort in the words of Psalm 23 and Psalm 110, which guided him in life and now give peace in his passing. He will be excited to celebrate his 90th birthday by being reunited with his beautiful wife, Elizabeth.

Memorials may be made to Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, P.O. Box 2143, Tupelo, MS 38803, or Jefferson Street United Methodist Church, 511 Jefferson Street, Natchez, MS.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.