Richard Guy Craig

Richard Guy Craig, (Stoop), of Pigeon Forge, TN, passed away peacefully on Nov. 7, 2022, at the age of 86. He was a devoted follower of Christ and member of First Baptist Church of Sevierville. There he served as Benevolence Coordinator and faithful “Care” volunteer. He was also, a beloved greeter at the Louise Mandrell Theater worship services. Born on Jan.16th, 1936, He grew up in Fountain City and graduated from Central H, where he was an All East TN football player. After playing football on the freshman team at Tennessee and one year at ETSU, he married his high school sweetheart (Shirley Ann Barnes). He served three years in the US Army, and was stationed in Wurzburg, Germany. He then was employed by Ford Motor Credit, Insurance Division, in a job he loved, for over 35 years. Their early years of married life were spent, where they grew up, in Fountain City. Then they moved to the Halls community, where they made many lifelong friends. The early 1980’s, had them moving to Pigeon Forge to live out a beautiful, full retirement, serving Christ, traveling, spoiling grandchildren, cherishing friends and family, and enjoying great car shows. After Shirley passed, he had a passion for the “Grief Share” program and went out of his way to minister to those hurting from loss. These last few years, as his health declined, he was ever the optimist, full of good cheer and an endearing sense of humor. When he could no longer drive, his love for people was felt even by strangers, as he enlisted his daughter to quietly slip gift cards or money to those, he felt needed blessing. Special thanks to all his loyal friends and family that visited him faithfully. Thanks also to the Brookdale caretakers and nurses, who lovingly cared for him, this past year. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Barnes Craig; parents, Guy & Jewell Craig; sister Joan Craig Bailey. He is survived by his brother David Craig; children: Randall Dean Craig (Lisha); Tracy Craig Satterfield (J.D.); grandchildren: Alanna Payne (Kolby), Dustin Craig (Cameron), Priscilla Egli (Hans), and Litza Craig; great-grandchildren: Braden, Charlie and Oakland Craig; Ainsley, Koda and Krew Payne; Finn and Genevieve Egli. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 502 S. Gay Street, #401, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.  The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:30 am Saturday at Mynatt’s Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel. This will be followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:30 am, officiated by Pastor Scott Cagle. Friends and family will meet at 1pm Saturday at Greenwood Cemetery for a brief graveside interment. www.mynattfh.com