David Lee Craighead

David Lee Craighead

David Lee Craighead was born in Union Parish October 10, 1929, the second of three children, to Ivy Fay Cox Craighead and Luther G. Craighead. He passed away June 11, 2014.

David Lee was survived by: the love of his life and wife of fifty-seven years, Gayle Dumas Craighead; their four sons, all of West Monroe: Kevin Lee Craighead and wife Donna Roach Craighead; Richard Allen Craighead and wife Kelly Huntsman Craighead; Eric Wayne Craighead; Martin Shane Craighead and wife Kimberly Pender Craighead; twelve grandchildren: Kevin Bradley Craighead and wife Karina; Georgia Gayle "Gigi" Craighead Roberts and husband Brian; Bryan Herman David Craighead and wife Sarah; Kristin Nicole Craighead Kennedy and husband J.P.; Conner Lane Craighead; Kaysee Leigh Craighead; Erica Lauren Craighead; Hunter Wayne Craighead; Jacob Eric Craighead; Cole Shane Craighead; Henry David Craighead and Sadie Elizabeth Craighead;

Four great-grandchildren: Katheryn Lynn "KatyLynn" Craighead; David Bradley "D.B." Craighead; Holton Michael "Holt" Roberts; and Isaac David "Ike" Craighead;

Three step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren; His loving "baby sister," Margie Craighead Cupit and husband Thomas D. Cupit; and

Several nieces, nephews, close cousins, and many beloved, very caring and close-knit friends and neighbors. He was predeceased by his sister, Ruby Fay Craighead McCrary, and an infant son, James Keith Craighead.

He married "Ms. Gayle" in 1956—the lady he loved, struggled together with, raised children with, and wrote songs about--and the lady who stood by him through the toughest of times and whom he loved so very much.

After working as a machinist, playing music, serving in the U.S. Army, driving a freight truck route, operating a pulpwood crew, driving a school bus route, and then playing more music, he went into the music and amusement business in 1959. No moss grew on David Lee Craighead—he worked tirelessly for his family.

Many all over North Louisiana will remember David L. Craighead as a no-nonsense, "straight-shooter" businessman who also loved a laugh, but at least as many more will remember him for his love of music. He was a master pianist, trained—but mostly just gifted-- to play solely "by ear," without benefit of printed musical notes. During his earlier years, many may remember his playing at the old West Monroe Fairgrounds on Saturday nights, guesting on the Louisiana Hayride, or just in local clubs. Others may have heard him playing with "Southern Breeze" in later years. He continued to play and entertain well into his 80's. He was much loved, and will be missed.

Funeral services celebrating the life of David Lee will be held at 10:30 A. M. Saturday June 14, 2014 in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, LA with Rev. Bob Jackson officiating, followed by graveside services at Sardis Cemetery in Union Parish.

Visitation will be from 4:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. Friday at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe.

Mr. Craighead's grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home

West Monroe, LA