Joe Craig Blacklock

Joe Craig Blacklock, lovingly known to everyone as Craig, was born on October 14, 1965, in Plainview, Texas, to Martha and Joe Blacklock. Craig passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Craig was a fighter in every sense of the word. Throughout his life, he faced challenges with courage, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. Even during difficult times, he never lost his sense of humor. He had a gift for making people laugh, bringing smiles to those around him, and finding joy in everyday moments. His kind heart, generous nature, and infectious personality made him someone people naturally gravitated toward.

Above all else, Craig's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted son, a loving husband, and an incredibly proud father. He married the love of his life, Lisa, on July 6, 1996, and together they built a beautiful life over 30 years of marriage. Their marriage was built on love, friendship, commitment, and faith, and together they created a home filled with laughter and cherished memories.

Craig and Lisa were blessed with two children, Kallie and Brendan, who were the pride and joy of his life. He loved them unconditionally and treasured every opportunity to support, encourage, and celebrate them. Whether offering advice, sharing a laugh, or simply spending time together, Craig's love for his family was evident in everything he did.

Anyone who knew Craig knew how much he loved baseball. Whether it was playing at Coronado High School, watching his son play, or cheering on the Texas Rangers, baseball was woven throughout his life. The game taught him lessons he carried throughout his life—hard work, perseverance, humility, teamwork, and the importance of showing up for the people who count on you. Those values shaped the way he lived, the way he loved his family, and the example he set for others. He approached life with the same heart, dedication, and quiet determination that he brought to the game he loved.

Craig also loved being outdoors behind the smoker. Barbecue wasn't just something he cooked—it was one of the ways he showed love. Family gatherings often centered around the meals he prepared, and there was nothing that made him happier than feeding the people he cared about. Whether it was brisket, ribs, or anything else on the smoker, Craig took pride in creating meals that brought everyone together.

Known for his remarkable work ethic, Craig was one of the hardest-working people you could ever meet. Throughout his 29-year career with GPI, he earned the respect of his coworkers through his reliability, dedication, and willingness to lend a helping hand. He believed in doing things the right way, giving his best every day, and providing for the people he loved. Blessed with an incredible memory, he rarely forgot a face, a story, or a detail, and people often marveled at how much he could recall. His dedication, integrity, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Craig will be remembered for his strength, his quick wit, his loving heart, and his steadfast devotion to those he loved most. His laughter, his stories, and the countless memories he created will continue to bring comfort to his family and friends for years to come.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Lisa Blacklock; his children, Kallie Blacklock and her fiancé Julian Dawkins and Brendan Blacklock; his parents, Martha and Joe Blacklock; mother-in-law, Gaylene Leavelle; sister Shelly Blacklock; and sister-in-law Melinda Cowan, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, aand nephews, all whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Craig was preceded in death by his twin sisters, Melody and Christy Blacklock; grandparents Lilly and C.W. Blacklock and Billie and Alvin Jones; father-in-law Larry Leavelle; and brother-in-law David Cowan.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we are forever grateful for the years we were blessed to share with him. His legacy of love, perseverance, hard work, and faithfulness will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lake Ridge Chapel, 6025 82nd Street, Lubbock, Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 5301 82nd Street, Lubbock, Texas, followed by a graveside service at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park in Lubbock.

Craig's family invites all who knew and loved him to join them in celebrating a life well lived—a life marked by love, laughter, hard work, and an enduring commitment to family. While he will be deeply missed, the example he set and the memories he leaves behind will remain in our hearts forever.