Meredith L. Craig

Mr. Meredith Lee Craig, 99, was born on September 5, 1927, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family and community. He was the son of Samuel “Mack” Craig and Lilly Abnethy Craig.

Meredith began his career as a dairy farmer on his family’s farm, wearing many hats: delivering milk, running a sawmill, building slipform silos, breeding cattle, and always remaining a faithful son. Later, he served as a Mecklenburg County police officer (#17) for 33 years and, for many years, held the mantle of the county police's oldest living member—a testament to his commitment to public service and his love of community.

Meredith was a Blue Lodge Mason for 75 years, embodying the values of brotherhood and charity. He volunteered with Love INC, providing essential services to people in poverty and those with disabilities. He was also actively involved with Loaves and Fishes, helping to feed families in need. Visiting the homebound and those in nursing homes became his personal ministry.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a charter member, deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader at Hickory Grove Presbyterian Church. Later, to worship with his son Bruce, he joined Hickory Grove Baptist Church, which offered him a new community of faith and love.

A lifelong Charlottean, Meredith lived on the same property his entire life. He loved his men’s Sunday School class, which met every Monday morning for breakfast and fellowship. He also cherished his long-standing friendships, especially his weekly Wednesday lunches with the WOW-WOW Methodist men’s group (Wendy’s On Wednesdays - WithOut Women).

Meredith’s life was enriched by his longtime friend, Charlie Morris and cousin, Charles Abernethy, who made his journey sweeter.

Meredith found great joy in gardening—sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends, feeding many in the community, and riding his tractors. The garden was central to family unity: family events included planting, plowing, and tending the garden, as well as canning and freezing food to provide for the ever-growing numbers around the family table. Family camping trips were always a top priority. His beloved cat, Smutt, brought him great companionship and happiness.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, wife, Betty Lowry Craig; his son, Stephen Meredith Craig; and his daughter, Nita Craig Stewart. He is survived by his son, Bruce Carlton Craig and his wife, Judy; his daughter, Lynda Craig Williams and her husband, Steven; his daughter-in-law, Pam Craig; and his son-in-law, Steven Stewart. Meredith was a proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Meredith Key, Sam Craig, Heather Leak, Melanie Harrah, Sadie Squires, and Mary Lanier Skeen. He was blessed with eleven great-grandchildren!

A celebration of Meredith’s life will be held at Hickory Grove Baptist Church at 11:00 am Thursday, October 29, 2026. Family will receive friends for one hour prior. Graveside services will be at Sunset Memory Gardens in Mint Hill.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hearts and Hammers ministry at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in his honor.

Rest in peace, Meredith. Your legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those you leave behind.