John William Craig

Mr. John William Craig, age 79, of North Wilkesboro passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Walnut Cove Health and Rehabilitation.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Assembly of God’s Word Church with Pastor Tommy Mikeal officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 until 1:00 PM prior to the service at the church. The burial will be in Scenic Memorial Gardens.

John was born on January 29, 1947, in Cumberland County to Levi and Emma Jane Hall Craig. He was a gifted bass guitar player whose steady rhythm and beautiful singing voice touched the hearts of everyone who heard him. A truly great musician, John, shared his talent with joy and humility, always playing and singing in a way that lifted others up. Beyond his music, he was a devoted and loving husband, a dedicated father and grandfather who cherished every moment with his family. He loved God deeply and lived his faith through kindness, patience, and quiet strength. Whether casting a line on the water enjoying his favorite hobby of fishing or spending time surrounded by those he loved most, John lived a life rich in faith, family, and friendship. He will be greatly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured in the hearts of all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sons, Billy Childress and David Childress.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty Bowman Craig of the home; two daughters, Lena Reins (Sidney) of Jonesville, Brenda Casteen (Randall) of Clinton; two sons, Stephen Childress (Nichole) of North Wilkesboro, Lewis Peterson (Jennifer) of Connecticut; ten grandchildren, Amber Aaron (Joshua), Elizabeth Lambert (Gerry), Michael Howell (Amber), Alex Wright, Robert Lett, Jessica Luffman (husband), Brandie Nicholson, Alexa Peterson, Michael Peterson (Alex), Blake Casteen, seventeen great-grandchildren and brother Gordon Craig (Madeline).

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Walnut Cove Health and Rehabilitation, 511 Windmill Street, Walnut Cove, NC 27052.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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