Sammie Wayne Craig, 83, of Bryan, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026 at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in College Station,Texas, surrounded by the love of his family. Sam lived a life marked by quiet strength, steady kindness, and a deep devotion to the people he cherished.

Sam is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Taylor Miller Craig, his children Shane Craig, Justin Craig, Doug Miller, Susan Carine, Matt Miller, and Marshall Miller, their spouses, his beloved grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Morgan and Matie Day Craig, first wife Jacqueline Gayle Collier, brothers Morgan Dwayne Craig and Leonard Thomas “Tommy” Craig.

Sam was born in Wortham, Texas (Freestone County) on September 21, 1942 to William Morgan Craig and Matie Day Tackitt Craig. He attended Wortham High School and graduated in 1962, then attended the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, Missouri to become an auctioneer.

His auctioning skills were put to use each year at local auctions in Freestone, Limestone, and Navarro Counties - perhaps most notably auctioning cakes for 25 years at the Wortham Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Barbecue and Cake Auction fundraiser. Known as someone with a somewhat shy and quiet disposition, Sam would go into his rapid-fire ‘auctioneer chant,’ and scan the crowd for bidders (sometimes playfully calling people out by name) to fetch the highest bid possible for the cakes being auctioned.

Sam had a strong work ethic and held several jobs throughout his adult life where he excelled and made many lifelong friends, including Corsicana Livestock Auction Barn, Chattanooga Glass Company, Texas Utilities Mining Company (“Big Brown’), Russell & Sons Construction Company, and Wortham Housing Authority. He had a deep love for anything related to farming and ranching, as well as operating heavy equipment such as dump trucks, bulldozers, loaders, and excavators (including the massive dragline excavator). He also had an extensive knowledge of vintage tractors, and collected small-scale model replicas over the years which he shared with his grandchildren - especially the iconic John Deere “Poppin’ Johnny,” one he actually drove growing up.

Sam’s faith was a quiet but steady anchor throughout his life, shaping the way he loved, served, and treated others. As a lifelong Christian, he lived out his beliefs through daily acts of kindness, humility, and generosity. His church communities at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Bryan and Fairfield–Harmony Presbyterian Church were especially dear to him, providing fellowship, purpose, and a place to serve others. Through his service, his example, and his unwavering belief in God’s grace, Sam leaves behind a legacy of faith that continues in the lives of those who knew him.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated health care professionals at Baylor Scott & White Hospital, whose compassion and expertise provided comfort during a difficult time. They also wish to thank Sam’s beloved church families at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Bryan and Fairfield–Harmony Presbyterian Church of Fairfield, whose prayers, visits, and unwavering support were a source of strength. The many family members and friends who offered love, encouragement, and presence throughout Sam’s hospital stay will forever be remembered with heartfelt appreciation.

A Celebration of Life in memory of Sam will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 11th at Fairfield-Harmony Presbyterian Church (119 W. Main St. | Fairfield, TX 75840) with the Reverend Thomas G. Prentiss (HR) officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions “In Memory of Sam Craig” be made to:

1. Westminster Presbyterian Church of Bryan, 3333 Oak Ridge Drive, Bryan, TX 77802  OR

2. Fairfield-Harmony Presbyterian Church of Fairfield, 119 W. Main Street, Fairfield, TX 75840