William J. Craddock

William “Willie” J. Craddock of Hewett, WV was born on December 5, 1926 and died on December 24, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Icie Chambers Craddock in 1982; his parents, Corbett “Carey” and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Craddock; and brothers and sisters, Leland, Nealey, Lawrence, Jucal, Joseph, Mary, Stella and Leora.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; sons, Neal (Janice) and Mark (Dena) Craddock; daughters, Emma (Snuffy) Byrnside and Gail Coakley; and stepson and stepdaughter, Brian Hudson and Judy Stevenson. His surviving brothers and sisters are Jacob and Daniel Craddock, Marcella Stevenson, Louella Stevenson, Lena Kirkendoll, Nellie Craddock and Deborah Hall. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, Dennie, Chris, Ryan and Josh Craddock, Sam and Brent Coakley, Hannah Hensley and Barbie Caserta; and 15 precious great-grandchildren with another great-granddaughter to arrive in February.

Dad was born on Craddock Fork and resided on Hewett’s Creek his entire life. He was an avid hunter especially fox hunting and he had many hunting buddies throughout his life. He had fond memories of each hunting trip they shared. He was an old time gardener and loved to share his garden wealth. You would find him in his gardens sunup to sundown. He was a retiree of Sharples Coal Company. He was a hard worker who believed in right and wrong and loved his simple life and most of all he loved his family and will remain the head of the family even though he might not now be at the table. He is sadly missed but we are blessed to have had him for 88 years and his spirit remains. He is at peace.

A service to honor him will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville with an invitation to visit one hour prior to the service. Guerrant Craddock and the Rev. Roger McCauley will be directing the service. He will be laid to rest with his first wife at the Elkins Cemetery on Missouri Fork of Hewett, WV.