of Fayetteville, AR
July 18, 1922 - December 18, 2022
Dr. Robert Andrew "Lit" Craig, 100, of Batesville, AR, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2022 at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville, AR. Lit was born on July 18, 1922 in Batesville, AR to Dr. Marion Stark Craig, Sr. and Mary Case Craig.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 70 years, Patsy Chamberlain Craig; his brother, Dr. Marion Stark Craig, Jr.; his step-mother, Ruth Holmes Trevathan Craig and his step-sisters, Aubrey Sanders, Frances Terry and Ruth Alan "Baby" Futrell.
Lit was the baby of the bunch in the Craig household and was given the nickname "Little 'un'" which was shortened to Lit, a moniker he carried throughout his life.
It is fitting that Lit departed this life in December for he truly embodied the spirit and meaning of Christmas. He loved his Savior, Jesus Christ and believed that love is the greatest gift. He lived his life expressing that love through big hugs, laughter and kindness. Lit taught his daughters to be kind and to refrain from judging others harshly. He was fond of saying, "Be kind because you never know what kind of tack is in the other man's shoe".
December was also a turning point in Lit's life because it was the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, that prompted him to leave college and join the Army. At age 20, he found himself in Northern Africa jumping out of airplanes with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was attached to the 82nd through combat in Sicily, Italy and the Liberation of Rome. From there, his unit was attached to the 101st Airborne Division which was eventually deployed to Bastogne in December of 1944. By the young age of 22, Lit had participated in and survived several crucial battles including the Battle of the Bulge, learning many of life's valuable lessons which he carried into adulthood.
Always modest about his military service, it wasn't until very late in his life that Lit's family discovered he was the recipient of 7 Bronze Stars and the Presidential Citation. He received his Bronze Stars for his participation in the WWII Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe, Southern France, Sicilian, RomeArno and Naples-Foggia campaigns. He received the Presidential Citation for his participation at the Battle of the Bulge.
Returning from the war in 1945, Lit enrolled at Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in Batesville where he met his wife and beloved partner of 70 years, Patsy Chamberlain. Lit and Patsy made Batesville their home after Lit completed dental school at Washington University in St. Louis, raising their four daughters there. The Craig household was always full of fun, activity and laughter, with plenty of love to go around. Lit's motto to his grandchildren was "Do something fun every day".
In Batesville, Lit resumed his love of the outdoors and nature with many of his lifelong friends. He could often be found wetting a hook in many of the surrounding rivers and lakes, duck hunting or clearing and planting pines on his pine farms. He was affectionately known as the original Energizer Bunny and could easily out paddle anyone in a canoe or out walk anyone in waders.
Lit had a curious mind, was well-read and could beat almost anyone at Trivial Pursuit. And even toward the end, his mastery of Razorback trivia was unmatched. He loved his Hogs! Lit's big grin, ready laugh and great sense of humor made him easy to like and love. He was a good friend to many.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his four daughters, Mary Storey (O.H. "Bud" Storey, III) and Carol Jones (Michael E. Jones) of Fayetteville, AR, Susie Carter (Robert H. Carter) of Denton, TX, Sarah Bolin of Searcy, AR; his grandchildren, Carol Storey Sprague (Rocky), Chris Storey Beavers, Jennifer Jones Davis (David), Craig Jones, Josh Jones, Carrie Carter Davis (Chris), Bo Carter (Heather), James Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds Wycough (Matt); greatgrandchildren, Ashton, Abby and Forrest Rogers, Alex and Mary Alden Beavers, Jake, Michael and Drew Davis, Mckenzee and Whitney Jones, Hudson Carter, Carter and Grace Davis, Andrew, Lacey and Matthew Reynolds, Rylan, Mary Katherine and Mayson Wycough. He is also survived by nephew, Dr. Andrew Craig of London, UK and niece, Catsy Clinger of Bella Vista, AR and a loving extended family.
The Craig Family wishes to thank Lit's daughter, Carol and her husband Mike, for their unwavering care of him the last two and a half years. They, together with his caregiver, LaShae Lucien and his oldest daughter, Mary, provided Lit/Paw with all of the love, comfort and care necessary to add quality to his life and life to his years. The Family would also like to thank his daughters, Susie and Sarah, for the loving care, comfort and companionship they provided while he was still in Batesville following the death of his wife, Patsy.
The Craig Family would also like to express their deep appreciation for the doctors and nurses at Willard Walker Hospice Home. The care and emotional comfort they provided was exceptional.
A Celebration of Lit's life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 21st in Batesville, AR. A private family burial will be held at noon on the 21st at Oaklawn Cemetery. Then the family will join friends at First United Methodist Church for a memorial service at 1pm, followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.
The Craig Family requests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church in Batesville, AR, where Lit was baptized as an infant in 1922. Memorials may be addressed to FUMC, 615 E. Main St., Batesville, AR, 72501.
May Lit Rest In Peace. Love, his Family.
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17 Condolence(s)
Lila Williams Harmon
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Dr Craig was such a treasure to all who knew him. He was Gordon's dentist for many years and took such good care of Gordon. Gordon and I worked with Patsy at Gary Ennis Real Estate office and got to know the Craig family well. Our prayers go out to all the Craig family - what a remarkable set of parents you were blessed to have and what a legacy they left. Our sincere condolences to all of you, Gordon and Lila & family
Linda Eason Melton
Monday, December 26, 2022
When I came across the obituary of Dr. Craig I was reminded of his kind and genuine smile.. I was always a “chicken†when I went to the dentist. His calm demeanor and expertise helped to relax this nervous eight year old little girl. His gentle spirit is entwined in my memories of growing up in Batesville. Rest In Peace Dr. Craig and enjoy Heaven and all of those perfect smiles!!! Our prayers go out to all of the families. He left a great legacy!!
Andy Sims
Friday, December 23, 2022
Our family was lucky. Patsy was my moms best friend. Lit was my dads closest buddy. Our house was 30 yards from a house that seemed just like LITTLE WOMEN. Girls everywhere. Loud, on the move, funny girls. From our back yard we could see ceaseless activity
I remember Lit & dad taking us all to Turkey Hill. An exotic swamp where all the men shot at ducks and yelled at us when we made too much noise. Lit taught us to fish. Talked about trees a lot. And even fixed our teeth. We neighborhood kids loved Dr Lit Craig and that family
I was a grandfather before I found out about WWII, and some of the things our little dentist had done to help assure the lives we’d all been given — all over America
A most remarkable, much loved and forever remembered man
God Bless Dr Craig
David and Linda Hidy
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
We can’t begin to put into words how much we loved and respected Dr. Craig. He was always a joy to be around. My first meeting with him was in a dental chair in his office, which was on the second floor Main Street building, which was across the street from what was then the Landers Theater. I was probably 7 or 8 years old. I remember asking him if he was sure there was room in my mouth for another filling. He laughed and proceeded to fill another cavity. Then shortly before he moved to Fayetteville, David and I were walking in the cemetery and Susie had brought him for a visit with Pasty. He sat in a lawn chair, cup in hand and we all had a great visit. There are many memories packed between these 2 visits, and it has been a real honor to know him. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Linda and David Hidy
Tracy Wallis
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Dr. Craig was one of the finest men I have had the privilege's of being a friend and influenced by his positive attitude. Each and every time when we met what ever the reason or our visits with him in assisted living I was meet with that big smile he had. Dr. Craig you made a positive impact on all you met . Prayers for you all.
Linda Ransom
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. Craig was my childhood and most of my adult life as my favorite dentist. I was know to drive back from Dallas for cleanings. He was such a perfect example to so many of us.
Bill Goodin
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
I am sorry for the loss of your dear father Mary, Carol, Susie, & Sarah, as well as the extended Craig Family.
He was my childhood & boyhood dentist as well as a family friend. I was blessed to know him as an an adult who became a kind friend.
After your mother died, my visits would often close with his request that he share a short prayer. He loved me, & I loved & respected him. He was definitely a role model for me, & I shall never forget the gift of knowing him. I thank God for him & the life he lived.
Scott and Jacqui McSpadden
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of you in the days and weeks to come. May God hold you in his arms and your memories give your some peace.
Larry Allgood
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
I doubt many children that grew up in Batesville during the 60s didn't know one of the Best Dentists every. Though children generally feared going to the dentist, Dr. Craig always calmed the fear.
I know he'll be missed by all that knew and loved him, we all can look back fondly when we think of him.
It's my prayer that Mary, Carol, Suzie, Sarah and the extended family find peace in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ especially during this season knowing Dr Craig had a long, wonderful life surrounded by those that loved and respected him.
Larry Johnson
Monday, December 19, 2022
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for the family!
Janet Hamm Williams
Monday, December 19, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you celebrate his legacy! A life well-lived!
Ed Mabry
Monday, December 19, 2022
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dr Craig was an outstanding person, and always had a smile. He will be remembered!
Jan Burrow Qualls
Monday, December 19, 2022
Such a sweet doctor he was his family is in my thoughts & prayers
Lisa Johnson
Monday, December 19, 2022
I sure hate to hear of Dr. Craig's passing. What a wonderful man. I have so many good memories of him when he lived at Woodcrest. He would offer me a hot toddy when I would come around with his medicine. Another time he was coming to the dining room and he was sitting with all the ladies and I said look at you the only rooster in the hen house, he said I wasn't born yesterday. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Praying for peace and comfort for the family during this difficult time.
JANET FETTERS TOSH, BILL ESTES
Monday, December 19, 2022
Dr. Craig was my neighbor for as long as I can remember. He and Patsy Craig were wonderful people. So kind and big hearted. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He lived such a wonderful life.
Robert Ford, Ron Ford and Becky Ford Doster
Monday, December 19, 2022
It's hard to say farewell to a life-long friend. Lit and I shared a host of memories through the years, but some of our favorite times were the fishing trips on Grassy and Salado Creeks. They were special. I'm so thankful for the visits I had recently with Lit the past two years during my visits to Fayetteville visiting my son, and daughter-in-law. Lit was a friend to all. Rest in piece old buddy. (Robert Ford, Tucker, GA)
Our entire family is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Dr. Craig. He always greeted you with a smile and was the best dentist a small child could ever imagine. He will be missed greatly. To Susie, Carol, Mary and Sarah, we send our deepest sympathy to each of you and all your families. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings on you, Becky Ford Doster, Tucker, GA and
Ron Ford. Fayetteville, AR.
Cindy Nelson
Monday, December 19, 2022
Dr. Craig was my family's dentist from the time he graduated dental school until the day he retired. My dad was nearly to the end of his life but needed teeth. Dr. Craig made him a pair and knowing he would not have long to wear them charged only $50. My family loved him very much.