Rufus Hagood Craig

Rufus Hagood Craig passed away on January 21, 2025 in Montgomery, Alabama at the age of 83. He was born in Selma, Alabama on April 18, 1941. The Craig family was an early pioneer family, who settled in the Cahawba area in 1820. 

Rufus was a man of deep faith, who cherished his family, the opportunity to help and encourage others, and Alabama football. He loved music, played the guitar and sang, wrote and published poetry, and was always quick with a smile and laugh.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geri Purvis Ellzey Craig; parents, William Benjamin Craig, II and Ruth Hagood Craig; his brother, William Benjamin Craig, III; son, James Stuart Craig and his step-son, Baxter Ellzey. 

He is survived by his son, William Benjamin (Laura) Craig IV; step-son, Robert Earl Ellzey, II; grandchildren, William Evan Craig, Hannah Ruth Craig, Jackson Walker Craig and Robert Earl Ellzey III; daughters-in-law, LouAnn Craig and Rebecca Ellzey.

Mr. Craig was a graduate of Indian Springs School (1959), The University of Alabama (BA 1963), and The University of Alabama (JD 1966) where he served as president of Phi Delta Phi. He was also a graduate of the executive program and The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. 

Mr. Craig practiced law for 35 years, retiring as Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel of Macmillan Blodel Packaging Incorporated. He was listed in Who’s Who in American Law. He served as the chairman of the judiciary committee of the Business Council of Alabama, and as a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Corporate Counsel Association. 

Mr. Craig was active in the civic affairs of Montgomery, serving for three terms on the board of directors of Montgomery Habitat for Humanity. He was appointed by Governor Bob Riley for two terms to the Montgomery County Board of Equalization where he served as its chairman. He also served for many years as a member of the executive committee of the Montgomery County Republican Party. He also served as a member of the Cahawba Advisory Committee.

Mr. Craig and his wife Geri attended the First United Methodist Church of Montgomery, where they were active members. They sang in the choir and the Seekers Sunday school class. Mr. Craig served on the administrative board and as a Joseph minister. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of First United Methodist Church in Montgomery with Dr. Jay Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. Graveside services will follow later in the day, at 2:00 p.m. at New Live Oak Cemetery in Selma with Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Stegall Seminary Scholarship Endowment Foundation
https://www.stegallscholarship.com/
P.O. Box 241661
Montgomery, Alabama 32124-1661