Marshall Ray Craig

Marshall Ray Craig, of Springville, Utah, aged 95, died of causes incident to age early on the morning of February 15, 2012. Marshall leaves behind a family who adored him and dear friends in many places around the world. Marshall was born in the long-since-disappeared oil boom-town of Goss, in northern Louisiana on August 5, 1916, to Wilford Garland Craig and Cora Alice Moreland. While he was still a young child, Marshall's family moved to El Dorado, Arkansas.



Marshall attended Brigham Young University from 1936 to 1941. He first studied chemistry, but soon switched his major to English. Teaching literature and writing became his life's work. Following graduation from BYU in 1941, Marshall entered the Navy Reserve and while in training in New York City, met his future wife and soul mate, Ruth Haglund. Marshall and Ruth were married in 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple while Marshall was on a brief leave. Marshall served as executive officer on two mine sweepers; as captain of two others.



Following the war, Marshall and Ruth lived near and in New York City while Marshall pursued graduate degrees at Columbia University. During this time, Ruth gave birth to four children: Martha, Alan, Christine, and Louise. In 1953, Marshall accepted a job at Brigham Young University and moved the family to Provo, Utah where Alison and John were born. In 1959, the family moved to Canyon Drive, in Springville, Utah. Marshall taught in the BYU English Department, serving in various leadership roles, including department chairman, until his retirement in 1981. He is fondly remembered by many students and faculty.



During 1970-71, Marshall, Ruth, and the four still-at-home children spent a year living in England, while Marshall pursued research at the British Museum Library. While there, Marshall and Ruth and the family formed lasting friendships with neighbors and fellow church members.



Marshall was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including missionary, councilor in branch presidencies, high councilor, councilor in a stake presidency, and bishop. His favorite calling was teaching the elders quorum in the Kolob 6th Ward. After his retirement, Marshall and Ruth, feeling that they might be able to represent the Church in a place where missionaries were not allowed, spent three years teaching at universities in Xian and Nanjing, China. They made many fast friends there also.



Marshall is survived by one brother Wilford Keller "Kay" Craig of Dickinson, Texas; children: Martha (David) Sargent of Springville, Utah; Alan (Janice) Craig of Falls Church, Virginia (serving a mission in Brazil); Christine (Duane) Seppi of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Louise (Robert) Nickelson of Payson, Utah; Alison Craig of State College, Pennsylvania; and John (Elaine) Craig of Orem, Utah. Marshall has 21 grandchildren and 23 surviving great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, two great-grandchildren, and his beloved Ruth.



Friends may call at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E 200 S in Springville from 6-8 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012; or from 9:30 - 10:30 am Saturday, February 25, before the funeral at the Hobble Creek 7th Ward Chapel, 1965 E Canyon Road, in Springville; funeral service begins at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Springville Public Library, 45 South Main, Springville, Utah 84663. Interment: Springville Evergreen Cemetery.