J. Wayne Craig

Salem, Va.

J. Wayne Craig, 84, passed away December 2, 2024. He was born in Danville, Va. to the late Julia Harris Craig Overstreet and Marvin R Craig. Wayne moved with his family to Roanoke at a young age, where he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1958. He then attended Virginia Tech, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating, he worked primarily with Hayes, Seay, Mattern and Mattern until he and Ed Mattern, Jr. established Mattern and Craig Consulting Engineers in 1978. His vision and leadership were instrumental in the firm's growth from its Roanoke headquarters to offices in Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee, Asheville and Hickory, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina. Wayne raised his family in Salem, with his former wife, Brenda. During that time, he was an active member of First United Methodist Church and served in many leadership roles. He was also actively involved in coaching little league baseball. In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, and Virginia Tech sports. He also spent a considerable amount of time on the golf course over the years and enjoyed taking annual golf trips with his sons.

As Wayne started to wind down his career and step back from the firm, he 'retired' to Abingdon, Va., but by no means sat idle. He became actively involved in the Town of Abingdon government, serving on many town boards and committees. Wayne ran a successful campaign for a seat on Town Council, where he also served as Mayor for a term. Wayne spent his life doing what he loved, supporting the communities in which he lived and selflessly serving others. He loved the Lord and worked tirelessly to live his life accordingly. He helped his late wife, Laura Hurd Craig, establish a food pantry with a local church in Abingdon where he helped with stocking, preparing and serving others. In the spring of 2023, he moved back to Salem to be closer to family. He spent his last year and a half making the most of his time with family, enjoying weekly dinners, and beach trips. He loved to catch up and entertain, always sharing his wisdom. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at Richfield Living community making so many new friends and connecting with old. He loved a good card game and played in groups daily. Always a sports enthusiast, he even took up chair volleyball at Richfield.

He is survived by his two sons and their families, Brad and his wife Stacy; grandchildren Cameron, Andrew and Caroline Craig of Salem, Va.; and Doug and his wife Mary; grandchildren, Maddi, Claire and Clark of Fairmont, W.Va.; stepsons, Darrin (Ruth) Sutherland of Raleigh, N.C., Jason Hurd of Church Hill, Tenn.; grandchildren, Autumn and Summer Hurd; and stepdaughter, Michelle (Glen) Shelton of Erwin, Tenn., grandchildren, Brooke Graham, and Tyler Shelton. He is also survived by his three siblings, brothers, Marvin (Charlotte) of Marion, Va., and Tom (Debbie) of Scottsdale, Ariz., and his sister, Sandra (Art) Rowe of Pisgah Forest, N.C., along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife Laura, he was preceded in death by his eldest son Jay Wayne Craig, his second wife, Patsy Lynn Craig, and his stepfather, Lawrence Overstreet.

A special thank you to his sister-in-law, Lois Lisenby, for always helping keep him organized, and his friend, Sue Robinson, for her care and companionship. We are so very thankful for his many friends and extended family for their friendships, love, and support. He will always be remembered for his love of life and generosity. He led an exceptional life, and God has truly received an extraordinary angel that will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Laura Craig Free Zion Food Pantry Fund, 23298 Golden View Drive, Abingdon, Va., or any other charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. Services will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon, Va.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Craig family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.