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Jerry Craig Obituary
November 13, 1943 - April 28, 2021
Jerry Wayne Craig, J.D., 77, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Nanci Pritchett Craig, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, with his family and his pastor by his side.
Jerry was born November 13, 1943, in Greensboro, North Carolina, son of the late Junior Vessie Craig and Emma Madeline Royal Craig. After graduating from Greensboro High School, Jerry attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics, and then onto law school. After graduation, Jerry and Nanci moved to Charleston to start his 33 year career as a professor at the Citadel and to open a law practice.
Jerry was active in many organizations, including the First Baptist Church, Teaching Friends Sunday School Class, and the Charlestowne Landing Board. Jerry was twice appointed by the Governor to the State Foster Care Review Board, serving as chairperson for many years. He had a great passion for music and sang in the First Baptist Choir, the Seacoast Gospel Choir, the Charleston Symphony Gospel Choir, the Charleston Men's Chorus, and many Christmas parties over the years. He was dedicated to the West Ashley Rotary Club, serving as their Program Chair for almost 20 years and other leadership positions. He was honored as the Rotarian of the Year in 2019.
One of Jerry's favorite after-retirement activities was volunteering at Roper Hospital where he served as President of Roper Auxiliary and was honored as a Health Care Hero and volunteer of the year in 2007. He made a point to say hello to every single person in the hospital to try to make their day "one second better," as he always said.
He is survived by his wife, Nanci Lee Pritchett Craig of Charleston, SC; daughter, Alyson Hartley Craig (Michael) of Charlotte, NC; son, Justin Truitt Craig (Amber) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; sister, Linda Craig Oldham of Southport, NC and four grandchildren: Hartley Caroline Metcalfe, Kinsley Alyson Craig, Daphne Nelson Craig, and Chloe Lee Craig.
The family has provided several ways to celebrate Jerry's great life. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, May 2, 2021, at First Baptist Church of Charleston, 61 Church Street at 3:00 P.M. For those unable to attend, you may view the service live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistCharlestonSC. Following the service will be a drop-in reception at the Country Club of Charleston from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. As Jerry always said, "Be Safe," so we ask you wear a mask for these celebrations.
Memorials in his honor may be sent to First Baptist Church, American Cancer Society and the First Baptist Teaching Friends Sunday School Class.
Arrangements were made by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Craig
Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel.
Kinsley
January 12, 2024
We will always remember your laughs and smiles. I can feel you looking down on us and i hope you are proud. Rest in peace. We love you and miss you papaj.
David P.
September 20, 2023
I´m just now learning of the passing of my favorite professor from my time at The Citadel. Major Craig always kept our business law class interesting and somewhat comical. His wide array of "characters" included in his case studies were entertaining and helped me to learn what some might consider a dry subject. It was tough to get into one of his classes since he was so popular. Years ago I was able to speak to Major Craig by phone and I´m happy I did that. My condolences to his family. If you know, you know: TSTSTSAH. SIUSOB.
Fulton Jones
September 19, 2022
Very sorry to learn of MAJ Craig's passing. As a former student at the Citadel, I warmly remember Jerry Craig as my business law professor and one of the few names from the classroom that I remember. Beyond him making business law fun and interesting, I learned about the band "Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts" and how to make a Harvey Wall-Banger from his days at UNC. What a fun and great guy. He taught me "Res ipsa laquitur" a phrase I still use today.
Jason c Cline
April 25, 2022
I am a former student of his. He is in my top 3 of teachers/professors in 16 years of school and likely #1. Business Law and Real Estate were 2 great courses that he made even greater! He had a way of keeping us all engaged and interested in the subject matter and more importantly how we could use the knowledge in real life. So many things we learn in our educational system are truly useless! We will all remember the BK basket! RIP sir!
Hartley
February 18, 2022
We´ll always miss your smiles and your jokes papa j, and may you rest in peace <3
James Rembert
May 28, 2021
Dear Nanci, I was looking for your and Jerry's address on the internet when I discovered that my old and dear friend had passed away. I am so sorry. He did so much for me when we were both teaching at The Citadel. I will never forget Jerry or you.
Celia offers her condolences also.
Love, James
Kathy Williams Pendziwater
May 6, 2021
Nancy,Linda and the rest of your beautiful family please accept my sincerest sympathy to learn of Jerry's passing. What an inspiration he was and will be greatly missed.
Rick Lambeth
May 3, 2021
Nanci, I am so sorry for your profound loss. Bettie and I were so fortunate to have you and Jerry as our across-the-street neighbors on Bagley Drive in Chapel Hill. Jerry was always so upbeat and enthusiastic, be it during a simple game of hearts or darts or a football road trip to Columbia. It simply made me feel better to be around Jerry. I've often wondered how you two did after that. Jerry obviously accomplished so much and positively affected so many lives.... What a well-lived life! I know you and the rest of your family are so proud of him. Bettie and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Rick and Bettie Lambeth (Durham)
Gloria Chambers
May 3, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Will be remembering you and your family in thought and prayers.
P. Shawn Faherty
May 3, 2021
I'm so sorry to learn of Professor Craig's death. I was not the best student during my high school and college years and when I got to "OMO's" class I learned to like learning--he made it fun, engaging and applicable. I don't think I ever told him that and do regret not.
My prayers of comfort are with you his family now. May you have many fund memories of him. --Until we meet again.
Shawn Citadel class of '86
Al & Sandra Gresham
May 2, 2021
Nanci, we just found out about Jerry this afternoon when Diane Bailey called us. So sorry about your loss. Jerry was a unique individual & always seemed upbeat in spite of how he must have felt at times.
You are in our prayers. We miss seeing you since we moved.
Bob Davison and Jackie Lane
May 2, 2021
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the passing of Jerry. I sang with Jerry in the Charleston Mens Chorus for many years and knew him from Rotary. His upbeat personality was forever present. A great person that we admired and shall never forget. May God bless Nanci and family for their loss.
Ron Nelson
May 2, 2021
We join you today to remember and honor Jerry. I enjoyed his humor, and admired his indomitable spirit. And as he did, I also give glory to God as His Spirit dwelt and bore fruit in Jerry, and still does in the presence of Jesus!
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. Ron & Cheryll
Amy Clapp
May 2, 2021
To Linda Oldham and the family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you in this loss. Wishing you peace at this time.
Blessings,
Amy Clapp
Greensboro
[email protected]
Andrea Dawson
May 1, 2021
Deepest sympathy to the Craig family, my extended family, Mr. was a true friend of mind, never a dull moment. He did not let his illness keep him from doing the ministry of loving on all of God's children, young and old alike. So the word that he said everytime you ask "how are you Mr. Craig?" "FANTASTIC" we a great BIG smile. I will miss my dear friend. God is pleased to welcome his son home. Shine Bright Mr. Craig, Your Country Club Family Will Miss You Lots!!!! Blessings to Mrs. Craig who never ever complain about caring for her best friend and devoted husband. May God Continue to give the family peace that passes all understanding.
Ronnie Beasley The Citadel, President, Veterans Victory House Resid
May 1, 2021
Dear Family, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I treasure his friendship -- May he rest in peace.
Jason cline
May 1, 2021
RiP Sir ! Quite possibly my favorite teacher/professor in 17 years of education. So many great life lessons taught to many cadets over the years .
Otis & Patty Register
April 30, 2021
We and our daughters are thankful to have the good memories of being next door neighbors to Nanci and Jerry and their precious children. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love you all.
Reb and Patty
David Bernthal
April 30, 2021
This is a great loss to all who knew Jerry. I taught with him at The Citadel and saw him a number of times in his role at Roper. He was always upbeat and saw the joy and humor in life. I remember on one occasion four of us younger faculty members were going to an academic conference in New Orleans. We elected to fly there and back in a small four seat plane. Jerry kept us laughing in spite of some bumpy weather. Great time!
John & Suzy Griffin
April 30, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to Nanci and family during this time of sorrow. We first knew Jerry as fraternity brothers at UNC. Jerry was a good example and leader. We have in recent years known Jerry as a symbol of faith and strength. Jerry, we look forward to seeing you again as we enter our eternal home.
Karen and Chris Weihs
April 30, 2021
We are heartbroken Jerry lost his battle too soon. We love you and your family and gave cherished memories.
David B. Grantham
April 29, 2021
My heartfelt sympathy to Nanci and family.
Rev. Rob Dewey
April 29, 2021
Fellow Rotarian, Jerry never met a stranger. Many years ago, he warmly welcomed me as a visitor. During his struggle with cancer, God's glory showed through him. I wish miss my friend. I was blessed that our lives interested.
Blessings and Love
Rev. Chaplain Rob Dewey (Historic Rotary Club)
Linda Clarke
April 29, 2021
Having watched and listened to Jerry for many years has revealed to me the legacy he left for his family, his friends and especially for his granddaughters. It was just the way he was' that seemed different. I would ask family members if that was the way he was all the time or if he was that way at home? I always thought to myself that his example stood out in the way he seemed to show his awareness and appreciation for all the gifts and blessings that God had allowed him to enjoy in his life. Being so content with life even with all the trials he had medically to endure. He was so easily able to use those trials for good and for Gods glory. He drew people in and with his lightheartedness seemed to lift them up. That last photo of Jerry in the hospice bed had such an impact on me. His face was so lit up with such a vibrant smile as he seemed to be saying goodbye, I'll see you on the other side! Knowing the glory he was soon to witness there I'm certain.
A living example of a glass half full. His cup always seemed to runneth over. I am better to have known him and love the examples he set for all of us to want to strive to be better ourselves. So long Jerry! I will see you on the other side. God is with you. You are finally home.
Randy and Sugar Pierce
April 29, 2021
We extend our sincere love and sympathy for your family. Jerry had some funny stories and always made us laugh.
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