Craig Michael Strickland

Craig Strickland, 29 of Springdale, AR passed while on a hunting trip, doing one of the things he loved most. Craig was born, June 2, 1986 in Fort Smith, AR to Randy Strickland and Joanne Craig. He is survived by his wife Helen Elizabeth Wisner Strickland, of the home, father Randy and step-mother Julie Strickland of Fort Smith, his mother Joanne Craig and step-father Larry Rhodes of Greenwood, his sister Katie Ryburn and husband Jason Ryburn of Little Rock, step-brother Jordan Jones of Fort Smith, and step-sisters Jenna Jones of Fort Smith, Ashley Rhodes Harry of Greenwood, and Shannon Rhodes of Bedford, TX, his paternal grandmother, Elva Lee Strickland of Paducah, KY, and maternal grandparents Bill and Mae Craig of Mt. Vernon, MO. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Vernon and Virginia Strickland and maternal grandmother, Wilma Craig. He is also survived by aunts and uncles Denise Basham, Dianna and Richard Eatherly of Wahsougal, Washington, and Susan and Kevin Rickey of Etna, California, numerous cousins, and his loyal hunting dog, Sam and cat Salem. Craig was a 2004 honor graduate of Alma High School and earned his BA in Marketing from the University of Arkansas. Among Craig’s many hobbies that included hunting, golfing, singing, writing music, spending time with friends, family, and fans, his number one love was spending time with his beautiful wife Helen. Craig attended Cross Church in Northwest AR and was passionate about sharing his faith. As a founding member of the nonprofit organization, Beyond the Game, Craig was able to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to children from the Dominican Republic through his love of baseball. Craig shared his faith and love of music as a praise and worship leader at numerous churches in Northwest AR and the River Valley. In 2012, Craig became the first star host of The Arkansas CW Channel and also hosted a monthly cooking segment “Cooking with Craig.” Craig’s love for performing led to the start of the country rock band, Backroad Anthem. Building relationships was valuable to Craig and it came natural to him. Craig’s zeal for life, a smile that would light up a room, and his heart for people, made up his dynamic personality that touched everyone he met. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 6:00 pm at Cross Church Pinnacle Hills with Pastor Nick Floyd and Pastor Aaron Matthews officiating. The service can be viewed via webcast at crosschurch.com/watchlive. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made either to: Beyond the Game at http://www.beyondthegame.me 4 State Search and Rescue at http://4statesearchandrescue.com Cross Church at www.crosschurch.com Helen and Craig’s family would like to give special thanks to all of the agencies, individuals, and K9 Units for their efforts in searching for Craig and Chase. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

Craig Michael Strickland

June 2, 1986 - December 27, 2015