Craig Smith

Craig Darnell Smith life began on Friday, June 30, 1960, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital (now known as TidalHealth Nanticoke) located in Seaford, Delaware. He was a part of the Baby Boomer Generation and the seventh child of the late Wilbert C. Smith Sr. and the late Edna M. Smith. On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Craig peacefully transitioned at home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 62- years, 9-months, and 11-days.

Craig enjoyed a typical childhood. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and will be sorely missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Craig could be described as reserved, shy, gentle, and often quiet. If he liked you -he liked you, if he did not, he stayed away. He rather stay quiet than explain his problems to people who were simply curious and didn’t really care. Just because he was quiet, did not mean he was not a force to be reckoned with. He lived his life aspiring to be a good well-rounded person who found pleasure in the simple things in life.

Craig received his education in the Laurel School District where he started out attending the renowned Paul Lawrence Dunbar School, which still exists today as a monument located on the west side of town in Laurel. He completed his education at Laurel Senior High School.

Craig was also known as “Craigie Boy” to many people and as “Breeze” by his closest friends. He held several jobs in Sussex County Delaware, which were in construction. He was exceptionally good with his hands remodeling and building homes. He worked for Culver & Pierson Mobile Transport alongside his friend Darrell Middleton for over 10-years. Mr. Culver, one of the owners, treated Craig like a son. Prior to his health failing he worked for David Horsey Construction. His most memorable and enjoyable was working for Co-Op extension. Prior to his illness and whenever Craig’s health would allow, he would spend countless hours sitting with his buddy “Satch” at his produce stand.

We all know that Craig loved to wear hats and for those of us that knew him we know he was an avid New York Jets fan and proudly wore his Jets hat. It did not matter if they won or lost, he was a die-hard fan. He made it known that being a Jets fan was his birthright and he never gave up on them.

In addition to his parents, Craig was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilbert C. Smith Jr., and Michael B. Smith, one niece (Nanette L. Griffin), and three nephews (Roland Griffin, Rayshawn Baines, and Patrick J Bell, Sr.).

The memory of his life’s triumphs, struggles, and accomplishments shall forever live on in his loving and devoted children, family and friends: two daughters, Tyleshia Sturgis of Rehoboth, DE; Rasha Strand of Millsboro, DE; two sisters, Veronica l. Burke of Seaford, DE; Dorothea M. DeVore (Steven) of Seaford, DE; three brothers, Bruce C. Burke (Priscilla) of Dagsboro, Delaware; Edward A. Burke of Tampa, FL; and Carey C. Smith Sr. of Laurel, DE; three grandchildren, Luna Sturgis, Jeremy Smith, and Jerome Smith. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. We will cherish his memories forever

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