Craig Steven Darling, beloved husband, father and esteemed paramedic passed away in his home in Tallahassee Florida on Thursday May 9, 2024 at the age of 59 surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in St. Petersburg Florida and was raised in both the Tallahassee and Gainesville areas where his love of all things orange and Gator Blue was born. He played football and baseball at Santa Fe High School and continued on to St. Leo College where he played baseball and enjoyed college life to its fullest.
Craig's battle with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia was not for the weary and although he fought so very hard, he relinquished to be called home to our Lord and Savior when it was just too much to bear.
Demonstrating unwavering courage and compassion, Craig dedicated his life to saving others as a Paramedic. He worked for many Emergency Medical Services on ambulances over the years but he found his niche and true calling in the Air Medical business. Upon becoming a Flight Paramedic he served this region with life saving and Critical care for over 23 years.
Outside of his noble profession, Craig found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Florida Gator Football and he made sure everyone knew it. Craig loved watching and playing both baseball and softball. He enjoyed scuba diving, fishing and spearfishing, golfing, classic rock and roll, coaching and cheering on his children at their many sporting events and the fastest way to his heart was through his belly. More often than not Craig wore a full blown dimpled smile, and usually a mischievous smile at that! It brought him great pleasure to banter and play around with people until their smile matched his own. He loved the beach, being outdoors and simply relaxing in the Florida sun. A true patriot of this Nation, Craig truly loved his country. He loved a good meal and he reveled in the camaraderie of sports and the timeless tunes that brought people together. Craig brought joy, light and laughter to every room he walked into.
Craig's love of the little things in this life was only surpassed by his love for his beautiful wife and children. They were his greatest source of pride and happiness, and his devotion to them knew no bounds. His legacy of selflessness, love and dedication will continue to inspire and uplift those whose lives he touched as his legacy lives on strongly through his beloved children.
Craig is survived by his wife Tess Anderson Darling and their children Tyler Darling and his wife Danielle, Logan Anderson, Chloe Darling, Jaxon Darling and Emma Darling. Along with his brother David Darling and wife Virginia Darling, his brother Marc Finlen and his wife Kara Finlen, his sister Jennifer Finlen Driscoll and her husband Tim Driscoll as well as many wonderful in-laws, nieces and nephews and friends he called family. CD was one of the great ones and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Brita Darling and Patricia and Edward Sands and his Father-in-Law Andrew Anderson.
The family invites you to a Celebration of Life for Craig on Thursday June 6th, 2024 at the Retreat at Bradley's Pond located at 9002 Bradley Road, Tallahassee Florida 32308 from 4 to 8 o'clock pm. Craig's family asks that all of those in attendance adhere to the strict dress code of orange and Gator blue. You don't have to wear those colors together, but pick one for Craig and send him off in style. As he would have said, come as you are, stay as long as you like, and if you leave hungry it's your own fault! Craig's ashes will be spread at several of his favorite places at a later date. The Family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation in his honor.
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