1980-2024

“You have the spark, the light, the gift that radiates out from heart and soul, and in that presence of divine energy anything is possible.” -Jonny Craig Jonathan William Craig (Jonny), 43, was born on Nov. 1, 1980, in Slidell, LA, to James and Sunnilee (Greene) Craig. He grew up with his family in Terrell.

Jonny is survived and remembered by his parents, Sunni and Jim Craig of Terrell; his brother Ryan Craig (Laura Almaguer) of Bellevue WA; his sister Chelsea Craig Whitfield (Adam) and his nephews Watson and Miles Whitfield, all of Hideaway TX; the light of his life, his daughter Brighton Maya Craig (and her mother, Shannon Chaffin) of Terrell, and his dearest sidekick and force of nature, his dog Prince. We are all deeply saddened by his very sudden and unexpected passing at his home in Terrell on March 1, 2024.

Growing up in Terrell, Jonny graduated from Terrell High School in 1999, where he was an accomplished musician and member of the THS Band and Stage Band. With his treasured friends, he enjoyed many grand and outrageous adventures, most notably with Boy Scout Troop 391 where he achieved the rank of Eagle. After graduation, Jonny attended Texas A&M for a time, and then went on to complete his education at the University of North Texas, where he graduated with a B.S. degree in Emergency Administration and Planning in 2009.

After graduation, Jonny was instrumental in helping launch a new and successful family business in 2010, Budget Blinds of Terrell, overseeing installation and repair services for 11 years and providing meticulous customer care with his trademark humor and kindness. At the beginning of 2023, Jonny began a new enterprise as the owner/operator of Recyclops of Terrell, offering curbside recycling services for the residents of Kaufman County. This new endeavor combined his great love and concern for the natural world with an opportunity to contribute to environmental stewardship in our community, which will continue after his passing under new leadership.

Jonny’s great love of music led him to a community of friends that became very dear to him through the years as part of his spiritual path. He felt a calling to create music with the purpose of elevating consciousness, and with these friends created a number of themed gatherings to share music, including his own compositions – memories he treasured.

Jonny will be remembered and cherished by those closest to him for his true essence, a kaleidoscope of sensitivity, empathy, creativity, and humor – all qualities so evident in his beloved daughter Brighton, who he loved without measure. To honor Jonny’s memory, treasure your children, love your tribe, tirelessly search for your purpose, plant something, and perhaps adopt a dog. Shine on, Jonny! How we will miss you.

A celebration of his life is being planed for 5 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Country Charm Events, 9492 County Road 2470, Royse City, TX, 75189 where all are invited to share their stories and many memories of Jonny.

Memorial donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy. at https://www.nature.org/en-us/. Condolences and memrories may be shared with Jonny’s family at www.maxslaytonfunerals.com.