Charles Craig Jr.

  Elder Charles Craig Jr., 70, peacefully departed this life on July 7, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family.  Born on May 17, 1955, in the Bronx, New York, he was the son of the late Charles Craig Sr. and Eleanor (Barten) Craig.

  A proud graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School, Charles went on to serve his country with honor in the U.S. Army, traveling the world and dedicating himself to protecting and uplifting others, including his service during the Korean War.  After his military career, he made his home in Tacoma, Washington, where he met and married his beloved wife of 27 years, Joanne Craig.  They later settled in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he remained for the rest of his life.

  Charles retired from Big Y Wholesale and Distribution Center after nearly two decades of dedicated service.  Yet retirement only opened the door to his greatest calling of serving the Lord.  He attended and graduated from Springfield Christian Bible Seminary School, later becoming a respected professor and only the second in the school’s history to receive its highest honors in divinity.

  His commitment to community was unwavering.  For nearly a decade, he worked through the MOCHA initiative to improve wellness for men of color.  He later founded YOUMAG (Young Men’s Action Group), a mentorship program devoted to shaping young men into strong leaders.  His ministry flourished mostly through outreach, especially feeding those in need – a mission he often said the Lord “told him to do.”  For seven years, WE BOW Ministry provided meals, prayer, and essential support to individuals and families across Springfield and surrounding communities. He faithfully attended and was a cherished member of First Baptist Church of Agawam.

  Charles was a loving man who cherished his family and friends.  He found joy in flying kites, traveling, listening to house music, walking his dog Deacon, and cheering for his beloved New York Knicks.

  He leaves behind his devoted wife, Joanne Craig;  his siblings, Michael Craig, Stephen (Michelle) Craig, Kevin (Frances) Craig, and Kimberly Craig; and his children, Zecoya Jones, Marcus Jones, Lashonda Craig, Crystal Craig, Melvin (Areliz) Coleman, Melvina (Jamar) Holmes, Anthony Coleman, Wayne Johnson Jr., and Salihah Brown.  He is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.  His niece, Sa’Nye Rivera-Hallett, held a special place in his heart.  All who knew him feel the profound loss of “Uncle Charles,” who loved each of them dearly.

The calling hour is 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Agawam, 760 Main Street, Agawam, Massachusetts.  The funeral follows at noon, with burial in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.

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