COLUMBIA - Craig Lee Smith, 68, a resident of Rapha Residential Care, passed away Monday October 15, 2018 after a brief illness. The only child of the late LaVerne Lees Smith and the late Richard Alton Smith, Craig was born July 4, 1950 in Altoona, PA.
After high school, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for several months until the discovery of juvenile arthritis. He received an Honorable Discharge and remained proud to be a U.S. Navy veteran.
Craig enjoyed creative writing and working with his hands He wrote numerous short stories. At an early age, he made furniture and children’s toys. In later years, he focused on several projects. His most recent was creating necklaces and bracelets, which he gave to others as tokens of friendship.
While working in a mall in Fargo, ND, he met the late Hildegard Abaz, who was working in one of the shops. Hilda had two dogs, Jigger and Jamie, which were show dogs, and most every weekend Hilda and Craig were going to dog shows. He and Hilda wed in 1976 in Moorhead, MN and were married until her death in 1981.
He had worked in the security industry for several years. In 1996, following his passion to serve others, he pursued Nursing Assistant training in Columbia SC and served as his instructor’s assistant who was his mentor and life-long friend.
Craig treasured his family and friends. He will be remembered for his gentle thoughtful nature by those who loved him and knew that his heart was larger than he was.
Craig is survived by his half-brother, Gary R. Smith of Moab, UT; and his cousins in Pennsylvania Agnes L. Strushensky, Georgia L. Morris, Mark Layton, Michael Layton and Susan P. Nicklow; and his Great Aunt Jesse Reck and her daughter, Jessica Reck of Ohio; and his niece Sandra Vareberg of Williston , ND; and his nieces Cathleen J. Moe, Carol J. Langer; and a nephew, Steven J. Jacobson; and great nieces Kaylee Langer, Brooke Russ, Britteny Isenhower and April Langer, all of Minnesota. Craig was predeceased by his half-sister, Vicki Marie Woods
Memorial donations may be directed to one’s area VA medical center or a local charity serving the needs of veterans and their families. Family graveside services will be held at a later date in Grandview Cemetery in Johnston, PA, with The Rev. Paul Morris officiating.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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