George William Craig

George William Craig, age 100, of Virginia Beach, VA peacefully passed away August 27, 2023 due to natural causes. George was born July 8, 1923 in Pittsburgh, PA, son to Herbert Craig and Caroline Leah Craig (Wright).

George is survived by one sister, Carolyn Kerr of Burleson, TX. George married Betty Pearl Cloud October 31, 1943 in Muskogee, OK. Together they raised four children: 1 son, Thomas Craig (Kari) of Marietta, GA and 3 daughters: Melody Wickliffe (Charlie) of Atlanta, GA, Mary Bell Hicks (Donald) of Katy, TX, and Rebecca Miller who preceded her father in death. Betty Craig passed September 30, 1998.

George is survived by ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, who will carry forward the Craig legacy.

George was paired with Margaret (Peggy) Bradford on an Elderhostel program in Maine and eventually married on April 21, 2000 to continue life’s journey. George befriended and melded into the Bradford family. In addition to his sister and children, George is survived by Peggy Craig, Gary & Shirley Bradford, Scott & Lenita Bradford along with numerus, grandchildren from the Bradford side. He treated and nurtured all as his own.

George had an interesting and very successful career of many disciplines spanning across the United States that included, aerospace, pecan farming, real estate and B36 bomber design engineer (including the Big Boy bomb installation on the B29 which brought a quick end to the Pacific conflict). Further contributions were made to Lockheed aviation and railroad engineering, just to scratch the surface. And then, for “fun”, he developed an industrial park in California, followed by an equipment rental company in Georgia. He never let grass grow under his feet for long! He was truly a legend.

In addition to his professional achievements, George possessed great artistic talent, evident in his cherished pen and ink drawings that continue to captivate those who hold them.

George had a passion for travel so he and Peggy spent their remaining years together on 4 European barge trips, European river cruises, 3 visits to Ireland, European tours, a Canadian rail trip, visits to Hawaii, Alaska, & they twice attended the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. They enjoyed many of these excursions with Peggy’s brother, Bill & wife Susie. His most favorite trip was a 2 week stay in an apartment in Venice, Italy.

George loved animals which included his Boston Terrier, Buddy, Abby, his Black Lab and Clancy, his Yellow Lab. Our black cat, Velcro, loved to hop a ride on his walker.

George was a good man and a true “Southern Gentleman”. He lived a full life and left a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His infectious spirit and inspiring presence will be dearly missed.

His family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to Vangie and family of Angel’s Loving Homecare for their care of George in his final days.