Thurl Ray Craddock, age 77, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at his home in Medina, Ohio after a sudden heart attack.
He is survived by his loving wife, Thelma Craddock; his son, Gary (Debbie) Craddock; his daughters, Tami Craddock and Donna (Keith) Lowe; his grandchildren, Mike (Lisa) Piero, Nicholas Lowe, and Elijah Lowe; and great-granddaughter, Halle Piero.
Thurl was born in his family farmhouse on Jesse's Run in Calhoun County, WV on November 23, 1936 to Ida (1904-2001) and Roscoe (1902-1974) Craddock. He was the younger brother to Don (Sylvia) Craddock (1932-2005).
After graduating from Calhoun County High School, Thurl married Thelma and moved to Cleveland, OH and took a position as a crane operator at the Chevrolet plant, where he worked from 1955 to 1991. He also served for decades as a Deacon of Grace Baptist Church in Brunswick, OH.
Thurl left an indelible mark on everyone he met, from the generous love he bestowed on his family to the friendship he offered to his dear friends, neighbors, co-workers, and church family. He would be the friendly smile and wave you see greeting you at the church doors, the person never without encouraging words, and the man always armed with an exciting hunting story. In addition to hunting, he also enjoyed tending his garden and bowling. Thurl's life was one characterized by genuine faith and practical love: for God, for family, for friends.
The wake will occur on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 3300 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 10:00 am at Grace Baptist Church, 3480 Laurel Road, Brunswick, OH 44212, followed by burial at Hope Memorial Gardens in Hinckley, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Baptist Church's Building Fund.
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