Roger Craig

Roger Kent Craig was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 16, 1957. He was the second son of eight children to Hubert and Euralia Craig.

Roger was a student in the Detroit Public Schools system. He attended Sherrill Elementary School, Drew Middle School and Chadsey High School (1975).

While at Chadsey High School, Roger played on the Varsity Basketball Team as a center

Roger worked at City Laundry and Dry Cleaners as a delivery truck driver for over 30 years. He was a loyal, reliable, dedicated, hard-working and personable employee. In the spring and summer months, Roger tended to his landscaping business, Craig’s Ground Control; servicing 95 customers each season and for providing employment opportunities to young men in the neighborhood.

Roger married his wife, Deborah Roberts, in 1991, and he welcomed the relationship with his step-son, Kenneth. In 1992, their daughter, Melissa, was born and made their family complete. Deborah brought love, stability and spiritual awareness into Roger’s life. Roger cherished his family and was proud of the close relationships he had with Kenny and Melissa. Over the years, Roger and Deborah became grandparents and also welcomed to the family a daughter and son-in-law. Roger also valued the relationships he had with his sisters and brothers in-law.

Roger enjoyed several hobbies. He loved to bowl and watched PBA bowling tournaments to perfect his craft. While he never joined a league, he was a great player and his bowling name was “PBA Rog”. He loved to watch other sports and was a fan of The Detroit Pistons, The Lions and The Tigers. Roger enjoyed all kinds of music. In December, he bought a guitar and began fulfilling his desire to play music again. He also talked about buying a digital camera, so that he could get back into photography. Roger loved the Facebook community and regularly posted messages and Throwback-Thursday photos.

Roger enjoyed meeting people and being the life of the party. It seemed that no situation was too serious, that it couldn’t benefit from a good joke. Roger had a colorful way of expressing himself; he spoke his mind, spoke with authority on every subject and kept you engaged. Roger had a free spirit; he was down to earth, personable, and an all-around good person. He was a gentle giant that had a heart of gold and, truly, he just wanted to get along with everyone.

Roger celebrated his 59th birthday on February 16th, but had suddenly fallen ill in the days to follow. On the evening of Thursday, February 18th, Roger lost consciousness was immediately transported by ambulance to Henry Ford Hospital for continued efforts to revive him. Roger unexpectedly passed away shortly after his arrival.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Hubert B. Craig (1991), and by both sets of grandparents.

Roger is survived by his wife, Deborah, his daughter Melissa and stepson Kenneth, his three grandchildren, his mother, Euralia, and his seven siblings: Bernard, Marvin, Dennis, Douglas, Michele, Dianna and Reginald. He also leaves to mourn his death a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

The family would like to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of condolences. Your kind words, thoughtfulness and generosity during this time of sorrow were very much appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Roger will be missed dearly.