Carl Arthur Craig

Mr. Carl Arthur "Smokey" Craig, 77, of Statesville, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, November 16, 2015. Mr. Craig was born on March 10, 1938 in Iredell County and was the son of the late Charles Arthur and Daisy West Craig. He was a graduate of Statesville High School and was of the Baptist faith. On July 9, 1978, he married Rebecca Varnadore Craig, who survives. Smokey enjoyed the love of music. He sang and played guitar. In his younger years, he played in a band all around the Salisbury area. He built his wife a beautiful home surrounded by nature which they enjoyed for 37 years together. He loved playing golf during his retirement years. He had been retired from Hoescht Celanese for 20 years after working for 30 years with the company. He also loved traveling to world with his wife Becky visiting 38 different countries although Becky had to drag him sometimes when he didn't want to go but he always had a great time when he got there. Smokey never met a stranger. His character was that of a pleasant man who loved people. He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, and papaw. He loved his family dearly and loved spending time with them. He was always so very proud of his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing Smokey. Smokey was preceded in death by a daughter, Wendy Craig Pearson, a son, Timothy Craig, a sister, Caroleen Mayberry and a step-son, Christopher Kader. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 37 years, Becky Craig of the home and his daughter, Sandy Craig Edmonds and her husband Jeff of Statesville and his step-son, Alan Kader of Salisbury. He is also survived by a grandson Justin Edmonds and a granddaughter, Jordan Edmonds, both of Statesville, and a step-grandson, Andrew Kader of Mooresville. Funeral services honoring the life of Smokey Craig will be conducted 2:00 PM Friday, November 20, 2015 in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with Rev. Henry Cook officiating. Burial in the mausoleum will follow the services. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 until 2:00 pm in the mausoleum chapel at Iredell Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Carl "Smokey" Craig.