Born on April 4, 1938, to the late Lurty Samuel Craun and Thelma (Hensley) Craun, Bill was a lifelong resident of the Shenandoah Valley and a well-known diversified livestock and crop farmer. A third-generation farmer, he devoted more than 60 years to farming and, during the height of his farming career, operated more than 500 acres. He was respected throughout the community for his hard work and commitment to agriculture.
In his younger years, Bill was active in 4-H, FFA, and Young Farmers, serving in many leadership positions and competing in local, state, and national judging events, where he received numerous medals and honors. He continued his dedication to serving his community, being an active member of the Cross Keys-Mill Creek Ruritan Club for nearly 50 years.
Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Policeman. During his service, he earned the Good Conduct Medal and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge.
A man of strong faith, Bill was a devoted church member throughout his life and most recently attended St. Michael’s United Church of Christ in Bridgewater.
Bill shared 59 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Betty (Derrer) Craun. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Angela Meadows and her husband, Ronald “Ron” (Hardy, VA), and Cindy Rader and her husband, Jerry (Mt. Crawford, VA); two granddaughters, Valerie and Tiffany Meadows; and his siblings, James “Jim” Craun (Leesburg, VA) and Paul Craun and his wife, Deb (Westerville, OH), along with four nieces, three nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth “Ann” Crider, and his brother-in-law, Jacob “Jake” Crider.
Bill loved reading farming publications and attending training workshops to stay current with evolving agriculture practices. He served on the Rockingham County Soil and Water Conservation Board for more than 10 years demonstrating his commitment to responsible land stewardship and the future of agriculture.
Bill was passionate about sharing his knowledge with others. He often welcomed 4-H and FFA groups to the farm to practice livestock judging and he mentored dozens of young people who worked alongside him over the years. His greatest mentees were his two daughters who he taught not only the skills of farming but the values of hard work, integrity and dedication. Through his example, he instilled in countless young people a strong work ethic and deep respect for agriculture.
Bill never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to connect with people. Through his lifelong involvement in farming, community organizations, livestock events, and agriculture education, he built friendships that spanned generations. It seemed that where ever he went, he knew someone or quickly made a new friend. His genuine interest in others, willingness to lend a hand, and love for the farming community earned him the respect and admiration of many.
In Bill’s later years, he became a master puzzler and spent hours working puzzles with Betty, family and friends.
The family will receive friends at Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Lindsey Funeral Home in Weyers Cave.
Memorial Contributions can be made to: Cross Keys-Mill Creek, Ruritan Club, Attn: Brent Saufley, 6064 Beards Ford Road, Mt. Crawford, VA 22841 OR St. Michael's United Church of Christ, P. O. Box 101, Bridgewater, VA 22812.
