News Summary
The Greenville community is mourning the loss of Craig, a respected entrepreneur and dedicated family man, who passed away at 71. Known for his philanthropic spirit, Craig was a guiding force in his family and community. His legacy is celebrated through a life devoted to faith, mentorship, and support for others. Craig’s impact as a leader at Fellowship Greenville and in business will be remembered during a service where friends and family can pay their respects.
Greenville Community Remembers Craig, Esteemed Entrepreneur and Family Man
Greenville, SC – The local community is mourning the loss of Craig, a respected advertising entrepreneur and devoted family man, who passed away recently at the age of 71. Craig, known for his philanthropic spirit and unwavering faith, leaves behind his beloved wife, Karen, and their five children.
Born on January 3, 1954, in Champaign, Illinois, Craig grew up in Overland Park, Kansas. He attended Shawnee Mission West High School, where he not only excelled in Track and Field but also made a name for himself as a talented trumpet player. One of his cherished memories was leading the high school marching band during a halftime show at Arrowhead Stadium for a Kansas City Chiefs game, showcasing his early leadership abilities and love for music.
In 1972, Craig enrolled at Bob Jones University, where he met Karen Sandbach. The couple married a year later and enjoyed a strong partnership for 49 years. Throughout his life, Craig placed Faith and Family at the forefront, ensuring a loving and supportive environment for his loved ones. He is survived by Karen, their five children: Jason (Kristi), Joseph (Alex), JD (Valerie), Joshua (Taylor), and Katie Bailey (Kyle), as well as his sister Linda Kirsop (Dan). Craig also found joy in watching his nine grandchildren participate in sports and made special memories aboard their family-friendly pontoon boat.
A successful businessman, Craig founded several award-winning advertising companies throughout his career in the Upstate. He was known for his optimistic approach to life and had a reputation for offering valuable advice to both colleagues and friends. Many sought his counsel, benefiting from his experience and positivity in conversations.
The impact Craig had on his community was profound. As a dedicated member of Fellowship Greenville for over 50 years, he cultivated strong relationships within the church. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he served as a leader and mentor to countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on those around him.
To honor Craig’s legacy, a service will be held on July 19, 2025, at Fellowship Greenville, located at 3161 SC-14, Greenville, SC 29615. The visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am, allowing family, friends, and community members to pay their respects and share in remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The River Upstate, Miracle Hill, or Links Players, ensuring that Craig’s spirit of giving continues through these organizations.
As the community comes together to celebrate the life of Craig, his legacy of love, faith, and mentorship will be cherished by all who had the privilege to know him.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Craig O’Neal
- Legacy: Craig Deverell
- CBS News: Scott Craig
- Quinn McGowen: Craig Nell
- Ester Dahl: Len Carlson
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Craig obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google News: Craig community obituary
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
