Gatliff Craig

Mr. Evans Gatliff Craig, 85, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2019, at the Terrace Nursing Home in Berea, KY.  He was born December 23, 1933 to the late Joe Sam and Nannie Susan (Elder) Craig in Rockcastle County, Kentucky.  He was united in holy matrimony to Nell Wanda Parsons Craig on November 21, 1956, with whom he loved with all his heart.  He proudly served in the United States Army for four years and was a graduate of the 7th Army NCO Academy in Munich, Germany and completed a 19 month European tour of duty.  He worked for 17 years as the Executive Director for the Cumberland Valley Area Development District.  A graduate of Brodhead High School, Sue Bennett College and Eastern Kentucky University, he spent 11 years employed by the Rockcastle County Board of Education as a teacher, guidance counselor, and in other administrative roles.  Later, he accepted positions in state government under two different governors’ administrations in economic development and state planning. He was a lifelong farmer and a member of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, where in January of 2020 he will be inducted into the Kentucky Cattleman’s Association Hall of Fame.  He served on many different boards, one of which was the Rockcastle County Industrial Development Authority on which he served on for 28 years.  He was a faithful and dedicated member of the Providence Church of Christ since 1955, where he served as a deacon and later as an elder for almost 30 years.  A dedicated servant of God, he loved leading and mentoring his church family.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, working on his farm, reading, and watching sports.  He was a dedicated husband, father, papaw, and a friend to all.    

Those left to celebrate his life are his wife Nell Craig, his children Dana Lynne (Dave) Sanders of Colorado Springs, CO, Patrick Evans (Ann) Craig, and Christopher Joseph (Mary Lee) Craig, both of Brodhead, KY; his grandchildren Anjelica Rae (Brad) Johnson, Mackenzie Lynn Craig, C.J. Stanford, Duncan Reed Stanford, Molly Elizabeth Craig, Keaton Patrick Craig; two great-granddaughters: Ella and Raegan, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Besides his parents, Mr. Evans Gatliff Craig was preceded in death by ten siblings: Mary McWhorter, Julia Hunt, Mabel Taylor, Martha Cope, Clarence Craig (infant), John Craig, Bill Craig, Jennings Craig, J.S. Craig, Jr., and Benny Craig.

Visitation for Mr. Evans Gatliff Craig will be held Thursday, December 26, 2019 from 5pm until 9 pm at the Marvin E. Owens Home for Funerals and Friday December 27, 2019 from 12pm-2pm at the Providence Church of Christ. With military honors, funeral services will be conducted on Friday, December 27, 2019 at 2pm at the Providence Church of Christ with Corey Craig, Robbie Cable, Bruce Blanton and Jacob Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery.

Casket bearers are: Duncan Stanford, Brad Johnson, Dalton Rogers, Tom Craig, William Craig, and Jeff Craig.  Honorary casket bearers are: Dave Sanders, Keaton Craig, Neil Craig.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Providence Cemetery in memory of Gatliff Craig.