Craig Faircloth, 44, of Kenly, NC, passed away on April 8, 2024. He was born on December 3, 1979, in Fayetteville, NC to Steve and Carol Faircloth. Craig was a proud graduate of Douglas Byrd High School and East Carolina University.

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 Tarheels Basketball teams.

Craig was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity chapter at East Carolina University and joined along with other members of the Pi Class. He looked forward to their annual golf tournament each summer at Lake Lure and enjoyed cooking for the brothers.

Craig dedicated his career to educating and mentoring students within the Harnett County, Cumberland County, and Johnston County Public School systems. He was a Health & Physical Education teacher at Western Harnett Middle School, Douglas Byrd Middle School, Smithfield Selma High School, and Choice Plus Academy. Craig was also a driver’s education instructor with Benson Driving School.

Of all the accomplishments Craig had in life, he was the proudest to be father to Spencer and Dottie, who 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; his father, Steve Faircloth; sister, Phyllis “PJ” Alizio and brother in-law, Brandon Alizio; brother, Jeremy Faircloth and sister in-law, Katie Faircloth; and nephews, Eli Faircloth and Colton Alizio. Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Faircloth.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 3:00pm at Raleigh Vineyard Church; 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