Mr. Lester O. Craig

Mr. Lester O. Craig, age 86 of Stuart passed away Saturday at the VA Medical Center in Salem. He was born on Jan. 6, 1925 to the late Ewell and Mary Dickerson Craig. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Wayne Craig; his step mother, Aldine H. Craig; and a brother, Arvin Craig. Lester retired from United Elastic as a Department Head; he served in the US Army during WWII and received the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart; he was a member of Stuart Baptist Church where he served on various committees; was active in the United Way; was a 50 year member of the Lions Club and was awarded Lion of the Year on 2 different occasions; he was an active member of the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard; was a member of American Legion Post #105 and VFW Post #8467; and was a member of Mountain Home Lodge #263.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Lucille Rakes Craig of the home; two sons and daughter in law, Lester Craig, Jr and Betty of Salem, Mike Craig of Stuart; two grandchildren, Brianne Bartone and husband, Lenny of Chester, Melissa Conley and husband, Calvin of Salem; and three sisters, Nelda Lovell of Woolwine, Dorris Conner of Bassett, and Avis Conner of Cumming, GA.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Rev. Robert Belcher and Dr. Clint Hopkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Craig Family Cemetery with military rites by the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stuart Baptist Church, P O Box 472, Stuart, VA 24171 or to the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard c/o Roy McAlexander, 64 Blacksmith Rd., Meadows of Dan, VA 24120. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.