Obituary – George L. Craig, Jr. – WINCHESTER STAR

July 13, 1924 – January 9, 2011

George L. Craig, Jr., 86, of 2306 Old Mill Place, Goldsboro, NC 27530, passed away Sunday, January 9, in Goldsboro, NC, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born in Winchester, VA, on July 13, 1924, to the late George and Anna Fling Craig, graduated from Handley High School at age 16, and joined the Marines. Between basic training and orders to California, he married the love of his life, Jane Porterfield Myers, at Christ Episcopal Church in Winchester in 1943, which completed the promise they made at a young age. He served with the 5th Marine Division at the Battle of Iwo Jima and then in Japan as part of the occupying forces following the end of WWII.

After completing his degree in agriculture at University of Maryland, he farmed at Shawneeland until he began his career in education at Round Hill Elementary School as a 4th grade teacher and principal. While teaching biology at Handley High School, he earned a masters degree at William & Mary in 1963 and then went on to serve as principal at Handley for 17 years. His kindness, strength and love of country touched thousands of students between 1955 and his retirement as principal in 1985. He treasured friendships with teachers and students and fellow Rotarians.

He and Jane traveled by motor home for many years and spent time with family in NC, CA, OH and TX – finding friends and “adopting children” everywhere. He and Jane lived in Goldsboro, NC, for the past two years with family. George loved God and his family with all his heart, and prayed for the safety of our troops around the world every day.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jane Myers Craig; his sons and daughters-in-law, George III and Nancy Craig of Winchester and Chip and Becky Craig of Goldsboro, NC; and his grandchildren Sarah Craig, Kristin Craig, Marion and Dan Hinkley, Kari Craig, George Craig IV, Ginny and Paul Haagenson, Stephanie and Jeremy Greever, and Meredith Craig as well as many nieces and nephews. He also loved long-time neighbors Kenny and Ruby Speilman of Winchester, like his children.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 15, at 2 pm, followed by interment at Mt. Hebron Cemetery with military honors. Semper Fi. Always faithful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Winchester Education Foundation, 12 N. Washington St, Winchester, VA 22601.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.