Craig Washburn
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved Dad, PawPaw, Brother and Uncle, Craig W Washburn, passed away on October 7, 2024, in his home in Samburg, Tennessee.
Craig was born in McAllen, Texas, on March 15, 1958. In his early childhood years his family, involved in the cotton industry, traveled to many places and even spent time living in Guatemala. These travels began a great appreciation of other cultures and languages. As a young adult Craig lived in Texas and began his first career working in the oil field which lasted nearly two decades. During this time, he made many life-long friendships and helped to raise his two daughters. In his late thirties, Craig relocated to Tennessee where he joined his father and brother in the cotton industry. He became a very successful consultant traveling overseas. He enjoyed living in Africa for most of those years. Craig had a passion for hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. He lived the later part of his life in what is affectionately known as the Fisherman’s Paradise, on Reelfoot Lake.
While all Craig did throughout his life was of great value, it does not adequately portray who he was and the impact his life had on those who knew him best. The stories of his generosity, strength of character, and true talents are numerous. A few of our favorite things about him are centered around love. When we look at the model of Jesus who embodied love in action, and then we look at Craig’s life, we can see something special. Craig lived out love every day of his life. He loved God; and he loved all of God’s people so richly and unconditionally. He had an ability to connect with people in deep and positive ways with his upbeat personality, quick wit, and giving spirit. Craig also loved to learn and was highly intelligent — in fact, he could communicate in six languages. His talents included cooking, gardening and mechanical engineering, all due to his love of learning. He was also the first to make you laugh, the last to lose a game gracefully, and always ready to offer advice and a good story. He used all these gifts to help others and to simply be generous.
Craig’s family meant everything to him. He is survived by numerous adoring family members, including his oldest daughter, Rhonda, her husband Blake, and their two daughters, Emily & Megan Ingraham. His youngest daughter Jennifer, her husband Roman, and their children Logan and his wife Cheryll, Trevor, and Nichelle Blandino. Craig’s siblings, Connie and her husband Gilbert Bayardo, Stephen and Christy Washburn, and Margia Washburn. His nephews and nieces, Joseph and his wife Donna, and their daughter Josie Tydlacka, Tyra Tydlacka, Stephen Bayardo, Christopher and his wife Holly, and their daughter Lindsey Bayardo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale Washburn and Ruth Washburn; and his nephew, Will Washburn.
He was immensely loved and will be missed by all of us.
We will be honoring Craig with a celebration of his life on Saturday, October 19th, at 1:30 p.m. at the Keystone Shelter Pavilion in the Reelfoot Lake State Park located in Tiptonville, TN.
Published in The Messenger on 10.16.24