William E. Craig Sr.

William E. Craig Sr., 82, passed away on June 11, 2025, in Palm Bay, FL. He was the beloved husband of Dianne S. Brown of Melbourne, FL, with whom he shared 20 years of life. Born in Old Town, Maine, he was the son of Alfred Edmund Craig and Arlene Ethel Golding Craig.

Bill’s educational achievements included the following, Hebron Academy – Graduate, Class of 1961, University of Rochester – Degree Geology, and ROTC - Class of 1965, Troy State – Master of Science Degree, Police Administration.

He honorably served his country and retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years of service. Some of the highlights of his military career were serving as Missile Combat Crew Commander, Special Operations, during the Vietnam Conflict, Commander of Criminal Investigations (OSI), a College Department Chairman of Military Studies, Director of Patrick Air Force Base Plans and Programs, Director of Plans, Space Shuttle Emergencies.

Bill served in various leadership positions which included, Past Commodore, Cocoa Beach Yacht Club, Past Commodore, Patrick Air Force Yacht Club, Past Quartermaster, VFW Post 1005, Past Commander, Forty & Eight, American Legion Post 117, Founding Father, Am Vets Post 34.

William will always be remembered for his generosity, kindness, calmness, sense of humor, and patriotism.

He is survived by his spouse, Dianne S. Brown; brother Caryl Craig (wife Valerie) of California; sister Deborah Hodges of California; children Brenda Branham, William Craig, Jr., and Matthew Craig (wife Abby) all of Palm Bay, FL; and stepdaughter Michelle Huffman (husband Eddie) of Kill Devil Hills, NC.

He was preceded in death by his children’s mother, Merylee Clark Craig. He is also survived by his grandchildren which include Meaghan Branham of Tennessee, Shayne Craig (wife Lisa) of Palm Bay, FL, Shannon Craig of Colorado, Rachel Densler of Melbourne, FL, and Ryan Craig (wife Erica) of Melbourne, FL.

A private graveside funeral service will be held with immediate family in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/givehope in memory of William E. Craig.