Willie Edward Craig, Jr.

Obituary For Willie Edward Craig, Jr.

VIEWING: Friday, December 27, 2028/ Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

SERVICE: Saturday, December 28, 2024/ Time: 2:00 PM/ Feggins Chapel, 409 South Hill Avenue, South Hill, VA 23970/ Rev. Sharon C. Baskerville, Officiating

INTERMENT: West View East Cemetery, Halifax Street, South Hill, VA

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23-KJV

MR. WILLIE EDWARD CRAIG, JR, son of the late Edward Craig and Fannie Newby Craig, was born May 18, 1938 in South Hill, VA and passed away peacefully December 13, 2024 with his family nearby. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Juanita King Criag; daughter- Veverlyn Flagg; stepson- Andrew Willabus Craig; and his siblings- George, James, Catherine, Christina, Marie, Rose, and Carolyn.

At an early age he attended Jerusalem Baptist Church and Mecklenburg County Public Schools in Virginia. By the age of 19 yrs. old he traveled up North to New Jersey where he temporarily lived with his now deceased Aunt Ethel (Uncle Saunders) and Aunt Francis (Uncle Pete). Willie was a long-time resident of Newark and East Orange.

He dedicated many extensive years as a leather craftsman working in the industrialized leather tannery industry of Newark. He first worked for Beret Leather Company and thereafter retired from Seton Leather Company on June 29, 2000 at the age of 62yrs old.

His passion for fishing often found him by lakesides or out in a boat deep sea fishing, enjoying the essence and tranquility of the ocean.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving daughter- Rev. Chaplain Catherine Vernessa (Kevin, Sr.) Sauls; son- Spoony; three grandchildren- Kevin Sauls, II, Michael Sauls, and Steven (Dimonique) Flagg; brother- Charles Craig; sister- Rebecca Tisdale; aunt- Lillie Mae Aikens; special niece- Rev. Sharon (Alfred) Baskerville, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great grandchildren; the Sauls family and life-long friends at Prospect Park Apartments Independent Senior Living of East Orange, New Jersey.