Craig Reed

Craig will be missed greatly by all those that have had the pleasure of being a part of his life. Perhaps one of the greatest tragedies of his passing is all those people that will never have the chance to meet him and and have him as a part of their life.

I still recall back when we all were working at AutoZone, and Craig went home early one day. He called later that afternoon to tell me that he wouldn't be back that day and that I would have to cover the rest of his shifts for the week. When I asked what was going on, he told me in a nonchalant way that he was in kidney failure and was on the way to the hospital. I couldn't believe it; first what had happened and second, he was so calm about it. That was the Craig that I knew; calm, kind, even tempered. Nothing ever seemed to rattle him, at least on the outside.

It was Craig's determination that influenced me into going to school for my degree. He never gave up, through all the setbacks that happened, he still held out for what he wanted, and eventually achieved his goal of getting into Process Ops. Every time I thought it was too hard to continue, I thought about what Craig did to get what he wanted and he persevered. What I had to deal with was nothing compared to his journeys.

I do have one wish for everyone reading this. We've all heard the phrase, don't put off tomorrow what can be done today. A while back, Craig called me and said he was bored and wanted to know if I wanted to go out on the jet skis. I don't recall why I didn't go, but whatever reason it was, it wasn't very important. I said, maybe some other time, there will be other days. I was wrong. So, if someone close to you asks you to go play or do something spontaneous, do it because you never know when that will be that last time.

God bless Craig's family and all those that he has touched in his brief time here.

As I sit here with tears on my face, I can't help but think of the wonderful times we have had over the years...and as good friends do, we would reconnect through our crazy lives like we had seen each other the day before. You were the one who held our "clique" together and we will be forever grateful for it. My life will never be the same without you in it, but I look forward to seeing your smile in Heaven, my "Monchichi". I love you!

My sincere condolences to Craigs family. As a co-worker from the Safety Dept. at Valero I can tell you that he was a fine young man and his presence at the alky unit will be missed. God's speed to you all.

I'm am so sorry for your loss. I was thinking about Craig the other day and when Wally called me today and told me Craig had passed, I was in shock. I wish to convey our deepest condolences from me, my wife (Rachael), and my son (Aiden). We are truly sorry for your loss. I was Craigs roomate for 2 years and his friend for even longer. I came to know Craig well, and in my heart I know he's in a much better place now. We will all miss him very much.

Love,
David, Rachael & Aiden Young

Our dear friends, words cannot express the shock and sadness we feel for you right now. Nothing on this earth can console the human heart when it has been torn so deeply like this.
I remember Craig coming over with Don and he was always so shy and so well mannered. What a joy he must be for our Father in Heaven.

God loans us our precious children until the time when He wants to have them by His side. As Craig waits for his family's arrival one day, I pray for God to give you His peace that passes all of our understanding.
I pray His grace to keep you, and His mercy to comfort you at this time. We love you very much.

Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Christina:

Craig and Eddie had dropped by my office at the courthouse when they finished their jury duty in October. Laughing, cutting up – I could hear them coming down the hall. Eddie stayed for a few minutes and went on back to work. Craig stayed longer. We always found things to talk about. When it was time for him to go, I walked with him to the elevator. Before he got on, he turned and grinned and with that twinkle in his eye “Bye Mom, I love you.” Craig was one of my three boys – James by birth, Eddie by marriage but Craig by my heartstrings. I am thankful the three of them were such good friends.

Craig was family. I could always count on him. When Leslie was working out of town and I had questions about something around the house, Craig knew the answer. When James needed someone to talk to, Craig was always there. Even Jake the dog loved him. When it was time to put Jake down, Craig felt our pain. When I had my surgery and first opened my eyes, who is standing there with the big grin – Craig. “I’ve come to visit.”

These last weeks we kept waiting for that grin to appear again because then we would know everything was going to be OK – but it never came. He fought hard to overcome this illness but the end result we wanted was not to be. And then, the call in the middle of the night. He was gone.

Because of our Christian faith, we know Craig is in a better place but that does not ease our hurt or make the loss any easier. Be assured that he will not be forgotten but will always live in our hearts. Thank you for sharing Craig with us and for allowing us to be here for you during these dark days. You will continue to remain in our prayers. I love you.

Linda McMahen

I will photo chop or crop or what ever it is you do to photos now a days Craig...you will be in our family photo...I will miss seeing you at the lake with Amberr and Leisha...I will miss you, Craig Reed...the person I have come to know...the person who at Easter this past year made me laugh...hiding I think 5 million eggs...who if my memory serves me right...couldn't go fast on the jet ski...because it was in child mode...and you didn't know how to change it...makes me laugh...you made me laugh...thank you for that...What an out standing job and how proud your mother and father must be...to have raised such a loveable son..and honorable son...and a loving brother...love ya...Aunt B....

There are no words that can express the sadness I feel after learning of the passing of my friend, Craig. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all of his family and friends. I will keep you in my prayers.
It seems senseless that Craig's life be cut so short but we can’t question God’s plan. My deepest regret is that there are so many things I wish I could’ve had the chance to say to Craig; like what a true friend he always was.

The great thing about Craig is that no matter what life threw at him, he seemed to always make the best of it and come out on top. He was determined to enjoy life and give all that he could to his family and friends. He was a friend that would be there when you needed him no matter what.

I remember meeting Craig through a group of friends and how much fun we had during those years. Those are some of the best memories of my life.

To Craig,

I will always remember:

All our trips to Crystal Beach,
Hydro-slidin’ behind your dad’s boat at Port Neches Park,
All the parties we had when our parents were out of town,
Getting your Camaro up to 120mph!
You bossing me around at Autozone,
Hanging out at our apartment,
Our trip to South Padre for Spring Break!

Craig, you’re a true friend and you will be missed immensely! I love you Brother!

Please allow me to take a moment to extend my deep sympathy for your loss. When Jesus' friend Lazarus died Jesus gave way to tears (John11:35) The grief we experience when we lose a loved one in death can be very deep. How good it is to know that God feels our pain and His promise for the future regarding our loved ones brings comfort. Please reflect on the words at Isaiah 25:8; John 5:28,29. My caring thoughts to you.

Reed Family - I am so sorry for the loss of our dear Craig. He was such a huge part of our lives and will be greatly missed. He was part of my daily routine and now that is gone and it hurts me to no end. He always knew how to make you smile and laugh when you needed it the most. He loved his family, especially the two girls. Oh how he loved to spoil them! He loved his friends equally. He spoiled us all. He is such a special person and I will always hold that in my heart. Thank you for sharing Craig with us and for allowing me to be a part of your family until the end.