Joseph Francis Craig, Jr.

Rising Sun- Joseph Francis Craig, Jr., (Joe/Jody), age 82, passed away on February 27, 2026 at Christiana Care Hospital surrounded by his family. Joe was born on February 17, 1944, in Liberty Grove, MD, to the late Joseph F. Craig, Sr. and Josephine (McCardell) Craig.

He graduated from Rising Sun High School in 1963 and joined the United States Air Force directly after graduation, where he trained to be a jet engine mechanic. He was very proud to serve his country.

In 1964, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Pogue, with whom he shared 62 happy years. They started their marriage in Merced, California and welcomed their daughter, Christine (Craig) Cox in 1967. Shortly after, they moved back to Rising Sun, MD, where they made their home.

Upon his return, Joe started his career at Thikol in Elkton, MD. He moved to DuPont in 1977 where he worked as a Chemical Technician for 36 years.

Joe’s greatest joy was found spending time with family, Saturday morning breakfasts with his siblings, and vacationing with the family in Ocean City, NJ. He loved watching NASCAR races, the Orioles, and the Ravens.

Joe is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Christine Cox; four grandchildren: Courtney Erbe (Lewis), David Clayton Cox (Holly), Lily Bowden (Victor) and Isabella Cox (fiance Josh Dunlap); eight great-grandchildren: Hattie, Ashby, Lottie, and Adley Erbe, Cohen, Rhett, and Graham Cox, and Ridge Bowden. He is also survived by brothers: James Craig, Donald Craig (Debbie), and Jon Craig (Helen); and one sister, Cindy Fitzpatrick (Jim), along with many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Terry Craig; sister, Mary Ellen Craig; son-in-law, David Cox; in-laws, Joseph and Hazel Pogue, and sister-in-law, Josephine Johnston.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 6:00-8:00PM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 111 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, MD 21911. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A. in Rising Sun on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00AM, where friends and family may begin visiting at 10:00AM. A burial at West Nottingham Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Joe, may be made payable to the “Juvenile Diabetes Association” and sent in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 248 Rising Sun, MD 21911. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.