Rick was the founder and owner of Up In Smoke Fine Cigars, in Tucker, Georgia for over twenty years, where his customers, who later became some of his closest friends, would gather to talk sports, enjoy cigars and share a good laugh.
He graduated from South Plantation High School in Fort Lauderdale and spent many years working in the restaurant business at Chuck’s Steak House before moving to Atlanta to open his own cigar shop during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Rick was an avid sports fan, especially the Miami Dolphins and NFL football, a competitive athlete, loved sixties music and had a witty sense of humor.
Rick adored his two children, daughter, Jessica Catherine Craig (fiancé James Noonan), and his son, Ryan Austin Craig. He is survived by his sisters, Nancy MacDonald and Cathy Holden; his sister-in-law, Patricia Craig and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, J. Norman Craig and David Craig; and one sister, Shirley Lindley Brock.
In lieu of flowers, donations graciously accepted by PetSmart Charities 501(c)(3) with a vision of a lifelong, loving home for every animal www.petsmartcharities.org in honor of his beloved dog, Buddy.
A Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 8 at 2:00 PM at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road NE, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328. Pastor Anthony L. “Tony” Singleton will officiate, as a longtime trusted friend. The family will receive friends at 1:00PM.
The family will host a celebration of his life reception at the home of Donald Burke and Lurline Craig-Burke immediately following the Memorial service.
