William A. Craig

William A. “Bill” Craig, 85, died Tuesday, July 8, 2008, in his son and daughter-in-law’s home in Unionville, Tennessee. He had been in failing health for the last several years. He was born November 5, 1922, in Wolfdale, a son of Melvin L. and Iva Canan Craig. Mr. Craig graduated from Trinity High School in 1940 and was employed for 41 years at the former Jessop Steel Company, working primarily on the 72” sheet mill. Mr. Craig was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Army’s 9th Division. He was in the front line of all major battles from France to Germany and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery during the Battle of the Hedgerows in France. Mr. Craig was an avid golfer, belonging to various golf clubs in the area. In earlier years, he loved to hunt and fish. Mr. Craig was a member of Third United Presbyterian Church and had attended the Washington Wesleyan Church until its closing. On his 24th birthday, November 5, 1946, he married Helen Gielata, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Art Craig and wife Sue of Unionville, Tennessee; a daughter, Sherri Cole and husband Jack of Washington; four grandsons, Jack Cole III and wife Melissa, Bill Craig II, Scott Craig, and Steve Craig and wife Molly; one granddaughter, Renne Dowler and husband Tom; four precious great-grandchildren, Emily and Craig Cole, Faith Dowler and Ashley Craig; a cousin, Margie King; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Merle and John Craig; two sisters, Betty Henry and Jessie McKay; and a nephew, Joe Craig. Friends will be received Saturday from 10 a.m. till noon, the hour of service, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Rev. Joshua D. Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Highland Rim, 110 East Lauderdale Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388; the American Diabetes Association; or the American Cancer Society.