“Big Al” Craig, 80, of Clearwater, FL, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at the Bay Pines VA Hospital in Bay Pines, FL. He was born in Lawrence, KS, and moved to Clearwater in 1971 from Mississippi.
He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was also a world class athlete participating in the javelin, discus, shot-put and several track events for the Air Force Track Team. He later became an on owner of a roofing business.
Big Al was a man that loved most sports; but, he especially enjoyed football and basketball. He also participated in the Senior Olympics. He loved to dance and was one of the founding members of the Tampa Bay Beach Boppers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary Craig and his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa of Rockledge, FL; grand-daughter, Brittany and her husband, Michael; and his companion of over 20 years, Norrean Goal.
He will be interred at Bay Pines National Cemetery.
Dear Noreen and Family ….So very sorry to read of Al’s passing. He was a wonderful man and loved you so much. Al was so kind to me and my family. We will treasure his memory always.
’Big Al’ was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He loved people, dancing and sports but when he met Norrean, she became the love of his life. Al was one of those people who never knew a stranger. He always had a big ’welcome’ smile on his face and made you feel that he was really happy to see
you. He was a, larger than life, fixture in our dance community for many years and he will be missed.
Big Al you will be missed.
Al will always be remembered as a very dear Friend to us. i FIRST MET aL IN 1982 while dancing at the Former New York New York Night
Club. YEP! Al could Dance the night away and very
often he did. We will miss you Orval.Talking to
Al about New Orleans always brought back some
fond memories. I often called him “BIG UN “.
and he just Laughed and Laughed.
You will be missed Big Al…words simply can’t express…
I was happy to share my birthday with you…rest in peace.
Jen
AL was a wonderful man and a GREAT father to me. Al came into my life when I was 16 yrs old. He taught me how to be a Man and I credit him for many of the successes in my life. He believed in me when very few did, he loved me unconditionally, and most importantly he showed me how to believe in myself. I sit her writing with tears filled in my ears thinking how much I miss him. I can only hope to touch someone’s life the way he did mine. “AL, Thank you so much for just being you…. for telling me every year since I was 16 that you are proud of me. You will be forever missed and in my heart. I LOVE YOU DAD…..” your son, Todd
Al was a very special person with a large heart. We will all miss Al and are better for having shared his life.
Dear Big Al,
I know you have found your rightful place among the Angels. You were always an Angel to me. I am so glad you had Lisa. She has always been like a sister to me. I am sorry I missed your passing from this world. I know you will look down upon all of us that you loved. I will always remember you and the love you so graciously shared with all you knew.
There is a Memorial Service for Big Al Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 2PM in the Peace Chapel at Unity Church of Clearwater 2465 Nursery Road, Clearwater Fl. 33764