News Summary
The Greenville community is mourning the loss of Craig Nell, a beloved entrepreneur and family man. He passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, faith, and community service. Nell was not only a successful business leader but also a dedicated family member, known for his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. His Celebration of Life service will be held at Fellowship Greenville, where he was an active member for over 50 years. His contributions to the community will be remembered deeply.
Greenville, SC
The Greenville community is in mourning following the death of respected entrepreneur and family man Craig Nell, who passed away at the age of 71. Services honoring his life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Fellowship Greenville. The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m.
Nell was born on January 3, 1954, in Champaign, Illinois, and grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, where he graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School. During his time in school, he was not only an accomplished trumpet player but also a participant in Track and Field. One of his cherished memories involved leading his high school marching band onto the field at Arrowhead Stadium for a halftime show during a Kansas City Chiefs game.
In 1972, Nell enrolled at Bob Jones University, where he met his wife Karen Sandbach. The couple married shortly thereafter and enjoyed a long marriage of 49 years, filled with joy and love, enduring challenges together. Nell was a dedicated father to five children: Jason, Joseph, JD, Joshua, and Katie, and he is also survived by nine grandchildren. Family was central to Nell’s life, and he particularly enjoyed watching his grandchildren in sports and spending time on their family-friendly pontoon boat.
Professionally, Craig Nell was known as an accomplished advertising entrepreneur, founding several award-winning companies in the Upstate region of South Carolina. His business integrity and strong character were widely recognized by colleagues and clients alike. Throughout his career, he exemplified leadership and creativity, contributing significantly to the local economy and fostering community relationships.
Nell’s priority was always his faith and family. He dedicated significant time to helping others, offering wise counsel, and promoting optimism in his community. Friendly and approachable, Nell was always available to engage in conversations, whether it was to chat with neighbors or to pray with those in need. He was an active member of Fellowship Greenville for over 50 years, serving as a leader and mentor to many fellow believers.
Craig Nell’s legacy is one of integrity, loyalty, and deep faith. He is remembered fondly for his unwavering love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many in the community reflect on his positive influence and his commitment to lifting others up.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Craig’s honor to The River Upstate, Miracle Hill, or Links Players, organizations that align with his values of faith and community service. His deep impact on the lives of those around him will be cherished and celebrated.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Craig O’Neal Obituary
- Legacy: David Henry Obituary
- News Gazette: Agnes Craig Obituary
- CBS News: Scott Craig Obituary
- Legacy: D. Lewis Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google News: Obituary
- Google Scholar: 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.
