Tommy Joe Craig was born on March 26, 1932, in Hamilton County to Charles and Ola Craig. He spent most of his life driving trucks for Bob Wright, but he also had his hand in rodeos, farming, and ranching. Tommy also enjoyed tending his cattle, working on equipment, and raising crops. When he was not in the field, he watched Western movies and shows such as the Grand Ole Opry or anything featuring John Wayne; he also enjoyed watching rodeos. He married Rita Sue Massingill on July 7, 1951, and spent a lifetime dedicated to the family they made together. In their 56 years before Rita’s passing, they had two sons who survive them, Jimmy Craig and Rickey Craig.
Tommy spent his life devoted to his family; he was a proud father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He carried many names such as daddy, papa, and grandpa. He was loved by everyone and was a lifetime member of the community of Hamilton. In his retirement years, he spent his days alongside his brothers at Craig Implement and most Sundays spent at Providence Baptist Church.
Tommy was loved by all. The love he spread was unforgettable, a true angel on this earth. Words do not speak deep enough into the purity of his heart. There is peace in our hearts with the hope of Heaven, knowing he is smiling down on us, finally reunited with Granny and T-Tom.
Tommy is preceded in death by his wife, Rita Craig, his parents, Charles and Ola Craig, his grandson, Tommy “T-Tom” Craig, and his two brothers, Charles and Robert Craig.
Tommy is survived by his sons, Jimmy Craig and Rickey Craig, both of Hamilton. Ten grandchildren survive him, Jimmy Craig and his wife Kayla, Tara Patterson, Mary Owen and her husband Scottie, Monte Freeze and her husband Chris, Shayla Craig, Charlotte Gibbs, Danielle Craig, and Dylan Craig and his wife Hannah. He is survived by countless great and great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Four brothers and six sisters-in-law also survive him, James and Jimmy Lee Craig, Wayne and Roberta Craig, Dean Craig, Randall Craig and Donna Hines, Sondra Craig, Mildred Bottlinger, and Clydell Massingill, all of Hamilton.
Obituary written with love by a great-granddaughter, Chelsea Mae Owen
