Craig Eliot McQuirter

Craig Eliot McQuirter was born to Ardath “Sue” and James C. McQuirter on January 25, 1968, in Jackson, Mississippi. He transitioned to eternity on January 28, 2021, in Dallas, Texas.  Craig grew up in Clinton, MS; Cincinnati, OH; and Dallas, TX. He graduated from Richardson High School in 1986, and the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University in 1990. Craig often donned his Baylor spirit wear and was passionate about pursuing higher education. After his tenures at Oracle and IBM, he went on to enjoy a career as a software developer at Army and Airforce Exchange Service (AAFES). 

With a heart for service to others, Craig will continue to be admired for his dedication to the Katherine Murriel Education Fund (KMEF), in which he served as president from 2013-2019. KMEF provides mentorship and financial assistance to college students in need, and assists community organizations with scholarship programs. Craig was also involved with various clubs and service organizations that were dear to him, including Guardian Angels and Authentic Kung Fu Fort Worth - and was a Sifu with Iron Mantis Kung Fu.

Craig had his trademark “Uncle Craig Entrance” - and always announced his arrival with a giant “HEYYY!!” as he walked through the door. His voice would resonate and warm the whole house. Craig will be fondly remembered as an amazing story teller who captivated his audience with his booming voice, contagious smile, bright eyes, and hearty laugh! He spent time teaching nieces and nephews how to shoot a BB gun and a bow and arrow, and taught everyone his martial arts moves. His fireworks shows and poker games entertained us all at family reunions. Craig loved the holidays and seeing family and dear friends. His hobbies included astronomy, gardening, travel, poolside cookouts, and listening to classic rock. He was into viewing old Kung Fu Classics, and comic book inspired movies and shows. This included Sci Fi favorites like Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, etc. He was a man who cherished knowledge and education. He was an active citizen and liked discussing politics. He was knowledgeable in Black, US, and World History. His Favorite book was, “Guns, Germs and Steel.” These were the things that he enjoyed doing while spending time with the people he loved! Most of all, Craig was incredibly generous and loved to make people laugh. He always welcomed visitors in his Grand Prairie home and would never let them leave cold or hungry! 

Craig's brilliant, charismatic, funny, and caring nature will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His smile was genuine, and he was a great listener. He encouraged everyone to live life fully, love each other, and laugh every day. 

Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Ardath Sue McQuirter. Those left to cherish lasting memories include his son, Brandon McQuirter; father, James McQuirter, Sr.; brother, James McQuirter, Jr. and his wife, Justin Ann; twin brother, Clifford McQuirter and his wife, Fran; brother, Marcus McQuirter and his wife, Brandy; nephew, Alex McQuirter and his partner, Erin Bigler; niece, Olivia McQuirter; nephew, Ezra McQuirter; niece, Chloe McQuirter; niece, Hannah McQuirter; niece, Kaia McQuirter; great-nephew, Xavier McQuirter; grandmother, Annie Mae McQuirter; and a host of wonderful uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. 
 

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Craig's honor to the Katherine Muriel Education Fund by clicking the link below or mailing your donation to the address below. 

All are invited to join us for a Zoom Celebration of Life at https://prbclansing-org.zoom.us/j/6096234221?pwd=cWpZdjBPb1F4eHpsVzRSU3pDejd1QT09 at 1:00 PM Sunday, February 7, 2021, as we continue to celebrate the life of our beloved Craig:

                                     Meeting ID: 609 623 4221
                                     Passcode: 554604