M.J. Craig Jr.

M.J. Craig, Jr., age 91, passed away on Jan. 31, 2015. He was born in Lovington, NM, on July 1, 1923, to Marion J. and Ina Lee Craig. A longtime resident of Brownfield, Texas, he and his brother owned and operated Craig Motor Company for 28 years. He served in the military during World War II with the 8th Air Force. He was stationed in England and attended Texas Tech after the war. He was a member of numerous civic organizations in Brownfield, being a member of the American Legion for 71 years. He was Scout Master of Troup 743 in Brownfield and took scouts to the National Jamboree in 1964 and Philmont Scout Ranch for a 10 day hike in 1965, and was Activity Chairman for the Quanah Parker council. He was also a longtime member of the First Methodist Church; he taught the Junior High Sunday school class for many years. He is presently a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. He was married to Billye Rhea Lackey from 1947 until her death in 1977. He married Rubilee Shepherd in 1979 and after retirement they traveled throughout the United States residing in Mission, Texas, for several years before moving to Lubbock. He is survived by two sons, Jimmy (Elaine) and Joseph (Valerie) Craig; three grandchildren, Rhonda (Marc) Lopez, Renee Roach, and Jamie Craig; four step-grandchildren, Latisha Weber, Kris (Kyra) Shepherd, Jill( Lonnie) Gary, and Darren (Christina) Vickers; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean ( Johnny) Laird; nieces, Ruthann Davidson, and Linda Ayers; and nephew, Bob Craig. He is predeceased by his parents; brother, Robert Lee Craig; and a special aunt, Bea Green. He has bequeathed his body to Texas Tech University Sciences Center. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at 1 p.m.