Obituary of Gary Steven Craig

Memorial graveside services for Gary Steven Craig will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Cremation services have been entrusted to Griffin~Hillcrest Funeral Home. Gary was born on June 4th, 1946, In Dallas Texas to Jess and Estelle Craig. He passed from this life on April 1st, 2024, in Ardmore after a 15-year battle with dementia. Gary was raised in Dallas, Texas, Grand Junction Colorado, and Magnolia Arkansas where he graduated High School in 1964. While in Magnolia, Gary made lifelong friends that he stayed in touch with his entire life. In June of 1966, Gary felt the call to serve his country and enlisted in the US Navy. He Served in the Viet Nam War on the USS America and USS Independence and was part of the heavy attack squadron 10. During his enlistment time he was able to travel the world and loved sharing stories of his travels. In 1970 he was given an honorable discharge. In 1970, Gary moved to Ardmore to work at the brand-new Uniroyal Tire Plant. Gary was the 50th person hired and worked at that plant for 33 years. In those 33 years he held various management positions, but he would ultimately tell you that he was truly just a ring leader of a circus show. He would follow that with his belly laugh. The laugh that we will never forget! While working at Michelin, Gary was able to attend college and earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Gary met Sharon Huffaker in 1974. They were married shortly after and from that union they had the apple of Gary’s eye, his son, Michael Todd. Gary and Sharon found that they were better off as great friends, which they remained until the time of his passing. Gary met the love of his life, Vivian Louise McCullers in 1989 and married her in 1998. During their 26 years of marriage, Gary lived his life to the fullest. He cherished many things including, motorcycle riding, houseboat driving, snorkeling, tending to his cattle and spending time with his beloved family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Jess and Estelle and his brother Kevin. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his true love Vivian, son Todd and fiancé Larissa, grandchildren Cole Wyche and wife Destiny, Zak Simpson, Kobey Simpson, Morgyn Simpson and great grankids Bux Wyche and Maddox and Pax Simpson