NORTON “MAC” W. CRAIG II
Norton “Mac” W. Craig, II passed away on August 2, 2021 at the age of 84 after several months of declining health.
Mac was born in El Dorado, Arkansas to father, Norton W. Craig and mother, Marjory Holmes Craig. The oldest of four children, Mac spent his childhood in Smackover, Arkansas before attending college at South
Arkansas University on a band scholarship where he earned a
BS in Biology and History.
Mac was a dedicated public servant starting his career in the United States Army where he completed a broad range of command, staff and combat assignments including a tour of duty in Vietnam, several command and executive officer positions and ultimately rising to the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel. Mac was a decorated soldier awarded the Legion of
Merit, Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals, among others.
After 29 years in the military, Mac headed to Florida and continued his public service at the Department of Environmental Protection in Tampa as Assistant District Director for 11 years. Beginning in 2000, Mac launched his career serving the City of Largo, first as Director of Environmental Services, then as Assistant City Manager and finally, as Largo’s City Manager until his retirement in 2015.
Mac excelled as a leader and he helped many people along the way. He knew most of the city’s employees on a first name basis and took the time to ask about their families. Always leading by example, Mac personally recognized exemplary service with handwritten notes or other tokens of appreciation and was admired for his passion, integrity, and dedication. After his retirement, the Chamber of Commerce awarded Mac the 2016 Citizen of the Year award for his many contributions to the City of Largo.
In 1974 Mac married Shirley Greeson and for the next 47 years never missed an opportunity to tell anyone listening how lucky he was to be married to her. They enjoyed traveling, entertaining, the arts, and were patrons of many causes and institutions, including the Largo Public Library. They especially loved their West Highland White Terriers and had several Westies over the years of their marriage. When Shirley passed away suddenly, Mac knew it was time for him to go too, and just four days later, he did.
Mac and Shirley had nine children between them from previous marriages – six from his and three from hers – and Mac loved every one of them. When he lost his youngest son, Michael, in 2014 he was heartbroken.
Mac was always very close to his younger sisters and their relationships only grew stronger over the years. When Saundra passed away, Mac and Laura grew even closer and often burned the midnight oil talking on the phone for hours.
Mac loved photography and became quite good at it. He also loved the idea of technology and was forever trying to keep up with it. But Mac was at his happiest on a boat with fishing pole in hand. He loved fishing with family, friends – almost anyone – and traveled to Lake Fork, Texas on an annual fishing trip for many years. Often he took this trip with his father, brother-inlaw, nephews, or daughters and always with his favorite fishing buddy, Richard Craig.
Mac was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; son Michael S. Craig; his parents; brother Bill Craig; and sister Saundra Humphry. He is survived by his son Kym Craig; daughters Valerie Craig Barker (Rick), Marjory Wilson Cook (Curtis), Deborah Garrell Wallace, and Elaine Craig Bruni (Ray); step-daughters Tandy Newsome Hare (Scott) and Julia Davis (Michael); stepson Paul Newsome (Earlien); sister Laura Bass (Wayne); countless extended family members; many friends; and his beloved Westie, Dolly. All held him in the highest regard, loved him dearly, and will miss him greatly.
Condolences for the Craig family may be shared at: http:// www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com/
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the ASPCA or Largo Public Library.