May 7, 2012 - Coach Bob Craddock died peacefully May 3 at Hospice Savannah after an unexpected short illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Craddock was born in Kansas City, Mo. on August 17, 1937. His true love was coaching and he spent 35 years teaching and coaching cross country and track in the Raytown and Lee's Summit School Districts. Craddock's teams won many local and state championships and his greatest joy was the athletes who became coaches do to his influence in their lives. Craddock has been inducted into the Missouri Valley College, Missouri Track and Field Association and National High School Coaches Halls of Fame.

In 2002 he and his wife, Susan, moved to Savannah and spent 10 fabulous years meeting new friends, adventurous travels, golfing, volunteer coaching at Memorial Day School and Bethesda Academy and working with his grandchildren on their athletic endeavors.

Craddock's proudest accomplishment is three wonderful children, Cindi, Rob and Stephanie, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also has a brother, Ron. Coach was a kind, patient, inspirational mentor and the love of his wife's life. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Bethesda Academy, P.O. Box 13039, Savannah, Ga. 31416 or SIUMC, 54 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Ga. 31411.

A memorial service will be held Monday, May 7, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.at the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church with the Reverend Jim W. Giddens officiating.