Obituary for Lawrence Ronnie Craig
Lawrence Ronnie Craig, 73 of Walkersville, WV peacefully entered his Heavenly Home on Monday morning, June 15th, 2020. His final days were spent at home reminiscing with the comfort of many family and friends. He was born October 17th, 1946, in Weston, WV to Lawrence Robert and Nina Vera (Smarr) Craig. Ronnie was a loving and devoted husband of nearly 50 years to his wife, Retha Ann “Woots” (Lowther), whom he married on June 26th, 1970. Also surviving are his daughter, Connie Ann (Craig) Johnston and husband Ernie; grandchildren, Claire LaWren and Cameron Luke Simmons, all of Walkersville; and sister Dottie (Craig) Starr and husband Rick, of Lakeland, FL. Blessed with a large close-knit family, he is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Nina; paternal grandparents, Alva and Louisa (Weaver) Craig; and maternal grandparents, Clarence and Dorothy (Harris) Smarr.
Shortly after graduating from Walkersville High School with the Class of 1964, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during 1966-1968 as a Line Haul Driver in Viet Nam. He enjoyed reminiscing with fellow veterans as an active participant in the annual Viet Nam Line Haul Reunion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. His service continued as a former member of the Lewis County Honor Guard.
Throughout his career, Ronnie worked various jobs as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. Prior to his retirement in 2008, he served as the Lewis County Animal Control Officer.
With Ronnie’s passing, the Craig family lost its most charismatic storyteller. His embellished tales of actual life events held the attention and generated laughter for all who experienced his oratory gift.
Over the years, many horses, hunting dogs, and farm animals had the pleasure of having Ronnie as their caretaker and handler at Double C Farm. Fox chasing, coon hunting, rabbit hunting, and horsemanship were some of his favorite hobbies. He dutifully held the office of former Secretary of the Hackers Creek Coon Hunters Association and his fine hounds accumulated several United Kennel Club event trophies. He also enjoyed attending and participating in Central West Virginia Riding Club horse shows and the horse sales in Sugar Creek, OH.
Friends and family are welcome to attend the funeral visitation and graveside service to be held on Wednesday, June 17th 2020 at 4:00pm in the Sapp Family Cemetery on Craig Drive, Walkersville, WV with Reverend Chad Lewis officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and the Lewis County Honor Guard.
Lawrence Ronnie Craig’s Christian testimony of experiencing peace and comfort in times of uncertainty provides lasting sentiment to his family and friends. As such, in lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to his attending church, Full Gospel Church, c/o Reverend Chad Lewis, 512 Shumaker Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Hardman Family Funeral Home of Weston considers it an honor and privilege to serve the family of Lawrence Ronnie Craig.
Shortly after graduating from Walkersville High School with the Class of 1964, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during 1966-1968 as a Line Haul Driver in Viet Nam. He enjoyed reminiscing with fellow veterans as an active participant in the annual Viet Nam Line Haul Reunion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. His service continued as a former member of the Lewis County Honor Guard.
Throughout his career, Ronnie worked various jobs as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. Prior to his retirement in 2008, he served as the Lewis County Animal Control Officer.
With Ronnie’s passing, the Craig family lost its most charismatic storyteller. His embellished tales of actual life events held the attention and generated laughter for all who experienced his oratory gift.
Over the years, many horses, hunting dogs, and farm animals had the pleasure of having Ronnie as their caretaker and handler at Double C Farm. Fox chasing, coon hunting, rabbit hunting, and horsemanship were some of his favorite hobbies. He dutifully held the office of former Secretary of the Hackers Creek Coon Hunters Association and his fine hounds accumulated several United Kennel Club event trophies. He also enjoyed attending and participating in Central West Virginia Riding Club horse shows and the horse sales in Sugar Creek, OH.
Friends and family are welcome to attend the funeral visitation and graveside service to be held on Wednesday, June 17th 2020 at 4:00pm in the Sapp Family Cemetery on Craig Drive, Walkersville, WV with Reverend Chad Lewis officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and the Lewis County Honor Guard.
Lawrence Ronnie Craig’s Christian testimony of experiencing peace and comfort in times of uncertainty provides lasting sentiment to his family and friends. As such, in lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to his attending church, Full Gospel Church, c/o Reverend Chad Lewis, 512 Shumaker Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Hardman Family Funeral Home of Weston considers it an honor and privilege to serve the family of Lawrence Ronnie Craig.