James Craig Reid

Whitakers - James Craig Reid, age 79, passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Nash County, NC on January 27, 1937, he was the son of the late James Lowell Reid and Mamie Griffin Reid. Craig grew up in the Salem community, graduating from Red Oak High School in 1955, where he was a star athlete. In the 8th grade, he tried out for cheerleading on a dare and made the team. He cheered that year before playing basketball and baseball in 9th through 12th grades. Although baseball was his best game, basketball was his favorite. He went on to play basketball for Louisburg College and East Carolina University until a back injury during his junior year ended his collegiate career. After graduating from ECU, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and continued playing basketball and baseball. In April of 1960, he married Nancy Lucille Fowlkes, and together they had two daughters, Ashley and Tara. After Craig stopped playing baseball and basketball, he picked up golf clubs and a tennis racquet. Not surprisingly, he was good at both. At the top of his tennis game, he and his doubles partner from Goldsboro, Sonny Aycock, were ranked #4 in the state in the mens 35 and older age group. He continued to play golf competitively until 2008. In addition to his athletic skills, Craig was an avid hunter and bird dog trainer. He opened a game preserve on his farm and set up quail, dove and pheasant hunts for people from as far away as Maryland, Nebraska and Florida. In addition, he trained English Setters and Pointers. He had several dogs with outstanding AKC pedigrees whose puppies were highly sought after. He trained several dogs that went on to compete at the national field trials. In his later years, Craig enjoyed being outdoors on his farm, and watching his three grandchildren in their sports endeavors. A lifelong UNC fan, he enjoyed all Tar Heel sports with great enthusiasm. He was also an active member of the newly formed Lighthouse Baptist Church. Craig is survived by his daughter, Ashley Moss and husband, Tom, of Enfield; grandson Benton Moss and wife, Morgan, of Chapel Hill; granddaughters Schuyler and Katie Moss of Enfield; his daughter Tara Reid of Raleigh; brother, Edwin Reid and wife, Judy; his nephew Randy Reid and his sons, Jackson and Randall; his niece, Whitney Herbert; all of the Salem community; his friend and former wife, Nancy Reid of Rocky Mount; and his faithful companion and dog, Pepper. The family extends thanks and deepest gratitude to Dr. David Browder and his staff at Boice-Willis Clinic; Dr. Chad Pecot and Dr. Maria Rivera and their staff at the UNC Multispecialty Oncology Clinic; and Dr. Laura Jacimore and her staff at the Nash Cancer Treatment Center for their tireless and compassionate care during his battle with cancer. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services with Rev. Allen Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Pineview Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Lighthouse Baptist Church, P. O. Box 7304, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB #7295 UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 3/2, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 3/3, 11:00 am Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801