Enjoyed fishing, gardening and horseshoes with his grandson

Published December 5, 2019

ANDOVER — Cecil Robert Craig, 92, the son of the late Callie E. and Gertrude B. (Massey) Craig, was born August 24, 1927 in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and departed this earthly life on November 21, 2019 at Atria Marland Place in Andover at 4:30 a.m.

Cecil, affectionately known as Brother Ces, Mr. Craig, Mr. C, Uncle Cecil, Papa and Daddy, accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a child, and was a spiritual inspiration to all who encountered him. Cecil was a member of The West Medford Baptist Church in West Medford.

Cecil received his formal education through the Union County School System and attended Western Union High School in Marvin, North Carolina. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1946 and was later transferred to the United States Army Air Force in 1948. He attended Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned his Associate’s Degree.

Cecil married the late Mercedes Chambers in 1953. From this union was born the late Sheryl (Blowe) and Kevin Craig.

Cecil later relocated to Roxbury where he met and married Dorothy Ann Newton. From this union was born, Karen, Vincent and Theresa Craig. Cecil and his family lived in West Medford for over 40 years.

Cecil worked for Chomerics in Woburn as an Engineer and later became a supervisor. Cecil later became a proud independent cab owner in the Boston Metro area from where he retired.

Cecil was a raised Master Mason in the Eureka Lodge #8 from 1982-1990 at Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Boston. Cecil was a member of the AA Fellowship for 43 years. Cecil was also on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer for 12 years at the West Medford Community Center in West Medford.

Cecil enjoyed fishing and loved gardening; he grew tomatoes, green beans and a variety of other vegetables, where he felt in touch with the beauty of nature and his southern roots. He loved playing horseshoes with his grandson, Robert.

Cecil was preceded in death by his sisters, Calberta Craig McManus, Theresa Craig Black, Dr. Doris Craig Wingate, Marion Craig, and Vernell Craig Stevens, and his brothers, Booker T. Craig and Clinton Craig, Sr.

Cecil leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Dorothy Ann, children Kevin Craig, Karen Craig (Charles Bennett), Vincent Craig (Latisha) and Theresa Craig, and two sisters, Virginia Carter, O’Leatha Ann Amazigo, two aunts, Margie Crockett and Bleeka Nelson, nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation was held at the Andover Baptist Church, 7 Central Street, Andover on Saturday, November 30, followed by the funeral service. www.croswellfuneralhome.com