Ernest Louis Craig

Ernest Louis Craig was born to Cleophus (Clee) and Ora Lee Henderson - Craig on July 10, 1946 in Dallas County Arkansas. He was the third of nine children. Ernest known by his family and friends as (Sonny) accepted Christ at an early age and united with the First Missionary Baptist Church, Sparkman, Arkansas under the leadership of Rev. G. C. Cook where he attended Sunday school and was a faithful worker in the youth department.

He received his education at Sparkman Training High School in Sparkman, Arkansas. As a teenager he worked on a chicken farm until he graduated from high school where he received the nickname (Yolk). After graduating in May 1964 he moved to Muskegon, Michigan where he was employed at Lakies Foundries Inc., and later worked for Campbell Wyant Cannon Texton.

Ernest married Annie M. Johnson and they are the parents of five children. He later returned to Arkansas where he worked in the wood industry and was self-employed. He restored his membership with First Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoralship of his brother Rev. Louis A. Craig, where he remained until his death.

Sonny was a little man with a big heart. He had many gifts and talents included fishing, hunting, painting, plumbing, landscaping, helping others and socializing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Ernest - Elvie Nelson Henderson and Samuel - Mary Banks Craig.

He leaves to cherish and honor his life journey, his wife Annie M. Craig of Muskegon, MI; four sons, Pierre (Aldreada) Johnson of Muskegon, MI; Darryl Johnson of Detroit, MI; Luroskie (Candace) Craig of Rockhill SC; and Jason (DeNishia) Simpson of Elkins, AR; four daughter, Debra (Miguel) Yates of Radcliff, KY; Alleta Craig of Muskegon, MI; Shanekia (Jarred) Robinson, of Fredrick, MD; Tamekia Ferrell, of Bearden, AR; four brothers, Rev. Louis A. (Jackie) Craig of Arkadelphia, AR; Rickey L. (Betty) Craig of Sparkman, AR; Gerald J. Craig and Samuel (Debra) Craig both of Conway, AR; four sisters, Leola McClanahan, of Sparkman, AR; Clevia (Elmore) Wiley and Angie (Harold) Harris both of Arkadelphia, AR; Phyllis (Jeffery) Whitaker of Benton, AR; six aunts, Emmaline Murdock of Malvern, AR; Rose Butler of Warren, AR; Juanita McClanahan, of Dalark, AR; Rosie Henderson, of Detroit, MI; Sarah Haley and Lovie Henderson both of Sparkman, AR; twenty grandchildren, three great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Funeral service will be held Saturday January 5, 2013 at 2: P.M. at First Missionary Baptist Church, 225 Ethel & Kelly St. Sparkman, Arkansas where Rev. L. A. Craig is the pastor / Eulogist and Rev. Llewelleyn Terry, Sr. Officiating.

Burial and final resting place is Sparkman Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home. Visitation is Friday 11 A.M. - 7 P.M., Family Hour is 5: P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Sign the online guest book at http://www.mitchellfuneralservices.com/

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