Bryce Craig

Bryce Hays Craig, 77, of White Township, NJ, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the care of his loving wife, Melissa Craig, and his eldest son, Charles Craig. Bryce was born in Newark, NJ, on March 9, 1948 to the late Charles Hays Craig and Sarah Catherine (McMullen) Craig. He was a steadfast servant of Christ, a devoted husband and father, a generous employer, and a gentleman to everyone he met.
Bryce became president of The Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing Company in 1982. Bryce was a graduate of Westminster College (BA, Philosophy 1970) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv 1974). The grandson of P&R's founder, Samuel G. Craig, Bryce had started working at P&R with his father in 1976. Bryce led the company for over four decades from 1982-2025. His faithful service, caring spirit, and deep commitment to Christ and his church shaped the mission and ministry of P&R and made a profound and lasting impact in the lives of many around the world.
Bryce's work in ministry began in 1971 as the head club leader for Young Life at Springfield High School in Montgomery County, PA. His reputation was such that, in an auditorium full of high schoolers, he need only walk out on stage to incite a thunderous frenzy. After 3 years with Young Life, he was hired by a church in Oreland, PA, to lead the youth group and preach on Sunday evenings. In 1976 he moved to Phillipsburg, NJ, and led the youth group at Calvary OPC. From 1981-1984, he served as the director of French Creek Bible Conference. There he met his future wife, Melissa Urban, when she was a counselor in the summer of 1983. They were married in 1984 and settled in Phillipsburg, NJ, where they raised their four children. They began attending Knowlton Presbyterian Church (PCA) in 1994, where Bryce served as an elder for 23 years.
Bryce enjoyed a variety of hobbies: woodworking, gardening, cycling, reading, and antique restoration. When his children were young, he volunteered as a coach for their basketball and soccer teams. A gifted strategist, he could pull out a win that seemed unlikely. His other gift was a quick wit. He had an affiliative sense of humor that put people at ease with funny stories and observations. He delighted in making others laugh, always chuckling at his own jokes with a contagious mirth.
Bryce is survived by his wife of 41 years, Melissa Urban Craig; their children Charles Craig, Cherith (Roger) Festa, Julia (Matthew) Myer, and Samuel Craig; grandchildren Roger Festa, Daniel and Luella Myer; his brother Samuel (Liz) Craig; his sisters Caroline (Sheldon) Platt and Eleanor (Bill) Giordano; his sister-in-law Melanie (Dave) Bird; eight nephews and two nieces. Bryce was preceded in death by his niece, Sarah Swan Giordano, and granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Myer.
A funeral services was held on Saturday, December 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Knowlton Presbyterian Church, 3 Knowlton Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832. Following the service, a luncheon was held in the church fellowship hall. Later that afternoon, the family gathered for a private graveside service at Zeltenreich Cemetery in New Holland, PA.