Philip Craig of Nocona, formerly of Collinsville, passed away Wednesday, July 31 in Fort Worth. He was 74. 

He succumbed to complications from a stroke. 

Philip Randall Craig was born Dec. 17, 1949 in Fort Worth, Texas to Jack William Craig and Dorothy Faye Looper. 

He graduated from Amon Carter Riverside High School.

Philip married his high school sweetheart Christy Curtis on May 5, 1973. 

They celebrated 51 years of marriage earlier this year. 

After raising their three young daughters in Fort Worth, the Craigs moved to Collinsville in the early 90s. 

Philip was a career fire sprinkler fitter and proud member of UA Local 669. 

He retired in 2006.

Philip and Christy then relocated to South Fork, Colorado where he enjoyed golfing, fishing, garage sale picking, ATV trails and jeep rides.

They began splitting time between South Fork and Nocona in 2021. 

Philip spent 40 years playing men’s slow pitch softball. 

His team, The Camera Shop, won the Texas State Class A Major Slow Pitch Championship in 1980. 

Philip was a Methodist by faith and a dedicated Mason. He previously served as the Worshipful Master of the Hiram Lodge 433 in Collinsville. 

Over the years, he also kept membership at the Lodges in Whitesboro and Creede, Colorado, the Shrine and the Scottish Rite. 

He was a champion of the little man and always looked out for the underdog. 

His greatest legacies are the ones he leaves behind. 

Philip loved his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren endlessly. 

He was an adoring Papaw who cherished time with his grandkids

Philip was just as loyal to his friends. He was the first to volunteer to help someone in need.

He never turned down a game of billiards or a trip to Whataburger. 

Phillip is survived by his wife of 51 years, Christy Craig; daughters, Amy Craig; Beth Carver; Jo Lewter and Dorsey; grandchildren, Kendall Norman and Caleb; Jess Lewter and Jenny; and Jasmine Lewter; great-grandchildren, Jasper Lewter and Colbie Norman; sister, Faynette Drake and John, nephew, Joshua Willett; and nieces, Adrienne Johnson and Lauren Gregory. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack W. Craig and Dorothy Looper Craig.

A funeral service will be held at noon Monday, Aug. 5 at Mount Olivet Chapel, 2301 North Sylvania, Fort Worth, Texas 76111 officiated by the Rev. Mel Bishara. 

Visitation will be one hour prior at the Chapel. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shriners Children’s Texas, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550 or to your charity of choice.