Jerry Craddock

JERRY CRADDOCK, the oldest child of Fred and Velma (Lyles) Craddock, was born on March 3, 1920 in Red Springs, North Carolina. He received his formal education in the public schools of North Carolina. Jerry later relocated to Baltimore, Maryland with his family. He was employed at Lockheed Martin (formerly Martin Marietta) where he remained for more than twenty-seven years, until his retirement in 1985. On May 9, 1958, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Betty A. Anderson. He accepted Christ in 1969 at the Southern Baptist Church and was baptized under the Pastorage of Rev. Nathaniel Higgs. He loved the Lord. He loved the church and supported its cause. Jerry was a people person and made friends wherever he went. He had a humorous remark to leave with you, at all times. Jerry loved children and he enjoyed sharing the caregiving of several nieces and nephews in his home, Ashley and Lauren Melton and Dennis Heath Jr., for more than ten years. Each day, he could be seen taking his neighborhood walk and/or as a permanent fixture sitting on the porch. So the neighborhood children fondly called him, "Cool Papa." On Monday, April 10, 2006 at precisely at 8:15 p.m. his earthly journey came to an end, and he went home to be with the Lord. He will be sorely missed and will always be remembered for his jubilant spirit and his favorite phrase to his wife, "If you're happy then I'm happy." We will always remember our joyous times together. Leaving to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of forty-eight years, Betty Ann Craddock; a daughter, Vivian Dennis of Cullen, Va.; four sisters, Lizzie Aaron, Sheila Jones (Charles), Ethel Stevenson (Cary), Amelia Tobias of Baltimore, Md.; three brothers, Albert Craddock of North Carolina, Johnny Craddock of Colorado, Edwin Craddock of Baltimore, Md.; an uncle, John Craddock of Baltimore; five aunts, Mary Moore, Rose McCoy, Allie Brown, Christine Robinson of North Carolina and Maneda Fisher of Alexandria, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Craddock of North Carolina, Evelyn Mines of Montpelier, Va.; one other brother-in-law, Millard Squire; four godchildren, Cheryl Bradley, Carolyn Elbeck, Glenda Johnson of Md. and Michael Smith of Radcliff, Ky; godsister, Margaret Elbeck; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Jerry Craddock

March 3, 1920 - April 10, 2006