TAYLORSVILLE – Ronald James Craig, 86, of Taylorsville, passed away on January 21, 2026.
Born January 7, 1940, in Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Clyde Cleveland Craig and Evelyn Huss Craig. He graduated from Fred T. Foard High School in 1959, where he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams and was voted Most Athletic his senior year. He attended both Wingate University and Western Carolina University. After college, Ronald served his country in the US Army and served his community as a Catawba County Sheriff’s Deputy. Later, he worked as a shipping supervisor in the local furniture industry for many years and often joined his colleagues on company softball teams, almost up to his retirement. He also enjoyed competing in recreational golf and bowling tournaments, lining the walls of his garage with trophies.
In his retirement, Ronald was an active and longtime member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. He loved being outside, working in his garden, visiting the beach, watching NCAA basketball and NASCAR, woodworking, and spending time with family and friends. He was a devoted husband and an extraordinary dad. He was a true North Carolinian, and he was beloved.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his siblings, Warren Craig, Rev. Carrol Craig, Judy Craig Martin, and Trent Craig.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 57 years, Lana Deal Craig; daughter Ronda Craig and her husband Michael Manley; brother Kenneth Craig; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family members, along with a wealth of . dear friends.
The family will receive friends Friday, February 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 3916 Springs Rd NE, Conover, NC. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm at the church with Pastor Russell Makant officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park, 3010 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Craig Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations
