Estes Craig

Estes Wilton Craig, 91, of Paragould, died Friday at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN. Mr. Craig was a veteran of WWII and a member of the America Legion. Mr. Craig married the former Bonnie Lou Blankenship on January 20, 1948. He and his wife of 67 years were cotton and soybean farmers. They raised their children while living in Cardwell, MO until moving to Paragould, AR in 1978. Mr. Craig was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. He leaves a legacy for his family that few men could attain. He was a gentle man and a great role model for all that knew him. He would give the shirt off his back helping anyone in need. He only saw the good in people and treated everybody with kindness and compassion. He was a one-of-a-kind man and will truly be missed. Mr. Craig was a member of 2nd and Walnut Church of Christ. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Virgil Craig and Onie Mae Jackson; sisters, Gertrude Wood and Jessie Higginbotham; brothers, Homer, Alvin, Vester, Carl and Chester Craig. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Lou Blankenship Craig, Paragould; daughter, Jerri Carole Craig Stutts (Nick), Manilla; sons, Carl Estes Craig (Carla), Cookeville, TN, Joe Allen Craig (Sherry), Murfreesboro, TN; sister, Jean Grady, Cardwell, MO; grandchildren, Stephanie Stutts Rapert (Jerry), Jonesboro, Jennifer Stutts Jackson (Rodney), Lake City, Caylie Craig, Murfreesboro, TN, Kelsey Craig, Caleb Craig, Karilynn Craig, Caitryn Craig, Claire Craig, Cookeville, TN, Matt Craig, Syracuse, NY, Jake Craig, Murfreesboro, TN; great grandchildren, Kourtnei Jackson Qualls, Chase Jackson, Lake City, Abby Rapert, Jeb Rapert, Jude Rapert, Jonesboro; great-great grandchild, Ella Ruth Qualls, Lake City, great-great granddaughter to be born in January 2016. Pallbearers are Jerry, Jeb and Jude Rapert, Rodney and Chase Jackson, Matt, Jake and Caleb Craig. Visitation is Monday from 11:00-12:00 PM at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services are 12:00 PM at Heath Colonial Chapel with Dwight Harrison and John Shadowens officiating. Burial will follow at Cardwell Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online guestbook: www.heathfuneralhome.com