Reverend Craig Algernon Ogletree

Obituary For Reverend Craig Algernon Ogletree

Craig Algernon Ogletree entered this blessed life April 2, 1968, in Barnesville, Georgia to the parentage of Mary L. Ogletree and the late Deacon Melvin C “Buddy” Ogletree. He was a beautiful bouncing baby boy and was the life of the house. At the age of six Craig was touched by the Holy Spirit and joined East Mount Sinai Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor K.D. Williams. He was a faithful member of Sunday School, junior choir, and other Christian Ministries of the church. Craig was educated in the Lamar County school system, graduating in the class of 1986, As a standout athlete on both the Lamar County Trojans basketball and football teams, Craig was sought after by numerous schools across the country. During his senior year, he chose to further his education at Auburn University by accepting a full athletic football scholarship despite other collegiate opportunities. In Auburn, he consecutively earned the title of All-American and played on three Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship teams in the 1980s. His outstanding performance on the field led him to become a 7th round NFL draft pick for the Cincinnati Bengals. Making him the first Lamar Countian to be drafted to the National Football League. Following his career in the NFL, he played for the Birmingham Fire in the International Football League, before returning to Auburn to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in business management in 1992. After retiring his football career, Craig came home to his family and spiritual roots in Barnesville, Georgia. At his home church of East Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Craig was ordained as a deacon under the able leadership of Reverend Jimmy Lyons. Thereafter, the Lord called and anointed Craig to preach the Word of God. Craig’s response was “yes!” and in 2002 he delivered his initial sermon with power and authority. His ability to connect others with God was recognized by many. The Baptist Medical and Dental International (BMDI) was one of those relationships. During the BDMI relationship Craig was invited, and accepted, to join the group on a life, changing mission trip to Honduras. Other relationships fostered during his tenure at Auburn University was with Coach Joe Whitt and Head Coach Pat Dye. This relationship led to Craig being personally requested to officiate and eulogize legendary Auburn Coach Pat Dye, last June. For 21 years, Craig has been faithful servant to his calling, as lead pastor of two Georgia churches (the first being Zion Hill, LaGrange, GA) and supporting the community through feeding programs, facilitating bible study, mentoring young men, providing affordable housing and financial assistance to those in need. One of his greatest joys in ministry was ordaining his brother Bernard Ogletree as Deacon in the Baptist Church and baptizing his children. God also blessed Craig with a 25-year career at Georgia Power/ Southern Company where he served most recently as the Area Manager for Lamar, Butts, Fayette, Spalding, and Coweta counties. Craig also served on Barnesville Area Ministerial Association, Newnan Chamber of Commerce, Griffin Spalding Chamber of Commerce, Barnesville Chamber of Commerce and a member on the Board of Directors for Towaliga Accountability Court. After all these accomplishments, his greatest joy was his relationship with God and family. Craig leaves a legacy that will live on in the hearts of his loving and caring wife of twenty-seven years Mrs. Sherrelle Denise Ogletree, his loving and supportive mother Mrs. Mary Walker Ogletree of Barnesville, Georgia, three children whom he adored Mr. Austin Elliott Ogletree of Los Angeles, California, Mr. Dallas Craig Ogletree of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Miss Olivia Layne Ogletree of Barnesville, Georgia, three cherished Sisters; Mrs. Carilyn Ogletree Lawrence of Milner, Rev. Dr. Kathy (Rev. Alvin) Goodwin of Louisville, Kentucky, and Mrs. Jo Anne (John Perry Jr.) Walker of Barnesville, Georgia; and sisters Marilyn Ogletree, and Janice Ogletree who preceded him in death; Three Brothers and best friends; Deacon Calvin (Imgard) Ogletree, Mr. Charles (Gloria) Ogletree, and Deacon Bernard Ogletree of Barnesville, Georgia; a faithful and dedicated supportive friend Dr. La Vonda Johnson, loving Mother and Father-in-law Carolyn Belser and Robert Smith, a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Classmates, Teammates and many, many dear friends from all walks of life whom all will cherish his memory as son, brother, husband, father, pastor, friend…Rev. Craig Algernon Ogletree.

Funeral Service were held Saturday, August 14, 2021 The Lamar County Fine Arts Center Interment Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery