Irwin C. “Sonny” Craig, Jr., longtime area civic and business leader, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, in Jamaica, New York on September 24, 2023.
Devoted friend, mentor, and father figure to so many, Sonny made everyone he met the center of his universe. His passions for hunting, fishing, painting, teaching, listening, and learning made him a wealth of knowledge and unpretentious wisdom to all he encountered. He loved deeply, gave freely, and inspired the same in those around him.
Named Decatur Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year in 2022 and a Decatur Morgan Hospital Gala honoree in 2008, his selfless commitment to elevating and promoting his hometown contributed greatly to increased tourism, business, arts, and overall quality of life here over the course of his lifetime. He held executive leadership positions at Decatur Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Decatur Morgan Hospital, St. John’s Episcopal Church, United Way of Morgan County, Leadership Alabama, Decatur Rotary Club, and numerous other local and state organizations.
Sonny was born on March 1, 1945, to Irwin C. “Red” Craig and Flora Lovelady Craig. After graduating from Decatur High School in 1963, he earned a B.S. degree in marketing from The University of Alabama in 1970. He served as helicopter Crew Chief in the Alabama National Guard before beginning his career with Central Bank. After becoming Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing for AmSouth Bank, he joined Morgan Keegan as an investment advisor, later moving to Robinson Humphrey (now Morgan Stanley). He joined Wells Fargo Advisors as an associate senior advisor before retiring in 2021.
He is survived by Melissa Carrell Craig, his wife of 38 years, best friend and incredible stepmother to his sons, along with his son Wilson Rutledge Craig, his daughter-in-law Heather and grandchildren Elle and Cade; his son Lawson Davidson Craig, daughter-in-law LeighAnn, grandchildren Taylor (Caleb), Lawson Jr. and Liam, and great-grandchildren Norah and Oliver.
Funeral services will be held at St John’s Episcopal Church in Decatur at 2 p.m. on October 7, 2023. The family welcomes all, and asks that donations be sent to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation and Alabama Center for the Arts Foundation.
