We’ve had too much sad news to report of late, and recently another area school is dealing with tragedy.
Craig Faircloth, 44, passed away last week. He was a graduate of Douglas Byrd High School in Fayetteville and went on to earn a degree from East Carolina.
Per his obituary, “much of Craig’s life revolved around his passion for sports whether it was playing, coaching, officiating or cheering. Growing up he played football and baseball and had the privilege of having his dad coach his teams. As he entered college, his love of the game morphed to officiating intramural sports at East Carolina University, where he was a two-time All American Flag Football official. He continued his officiating career and went on to call high school basketball, football, baseball, and softball, Little League baseball, Top Gun baseball and AAU basketball. After college, Craig pursued his dreams of coaching middle school and high school football, wrestling, softball and baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Braves, and UNC Tar Heel basketball teams.”
More from his obituary follows:
Of all the accomplishments Craig had in life, he was the proudest to be father to Spencer and Dottie, whom he loved dearly. He attended every dance recital and competition that Dottie ever had, loved hearing Spencer talk about welding and the Carolina Hurricanes and enjoyed every moment he had with them whether it was traveling to the beach or simply staying at home building Legos.
He is survived by his son, Spencer Faircloth, daughter Dottie Faircloth, their mother Summer Faircloth, father Steve Faircloth, sister Phyllis “PJ” Alizio, brother in-law Brandon Alizio, brother Jeremy Faircloth, sister in-law Katie Faircloth and nephews Eli Faircloth and Colton Alizio. Craig is preceded in death by his mother, Carol Faircloth.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Raleigh Vineyard Church, and attendees are encouraged to wear blue or bright colors in honor of Craig.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed to: Craig Faircloth Memorial Fund