Reverend Harold “Craig” Smith

Reverend Harold “Craig” Smith, age 66, of Heathsville, Va., was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven while surrounded by his wife and children on Sunday, April 19, 2020, after a lengthy illness.

Craig graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1971 and began preaching at the age of 16 under Reverend Seal Janeway. While attending Tecumseh schools, Craig participated in four sports programs: football, basketball, baseball and one year of track, excelling in each sport. In 1971, Craig was selected as Tecumseh’s first and only All State quarterback almost 50 years ago. He accepted a full ride scholarship to play football at Ferris State University and even accepted an invitation from Bo Schembechler at the University of Michigan. Soon after coming home Craig spoke with his parents and his pastor and came to the decision that God was calling him to the ministry.

Later that summer Craig enrolled at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky where he graduated in 1975. While attending Cumberland, Craig played on the golf team and played the first spot three of four years. Also participating on the basketball team. After graduating, Craig was called to pastor a church in Patriot, Ind. at the age of 21 while continuing his education at the Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He had such a calm and humble way. A true gentle man. Matthew 25:21 His master replied, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

He will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife, Janet, and his children, Dane (Kelly) Smith, Jessica (Thomas) Frere, Emma, Martin, and step-daughter Shannon Roeschlein; his siblings Pam Smith, Tim (Lisa) Smith, Gay (Jimmy) Quinn, Melonee Merann (Stephen), Jason Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Lloyd “Buck” and Charlotte Smith, his sister Darlene Carrera, his brother David Smith, and his step-son Bradley Rhoades.

A private burial was held at Morattico Baptist Church in Kilmarnock, Va. on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, where Craig served faithfully as pastor for 21 years. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.