Longtime preacher, Lipscomb dean Mack Wayne Craig dies at 85

Mack Wayne Craig (Photo via lipscomb.edu)

Longtime preacher, educator and historian Mack Wayne Craig died March 1. He was 85.
Craig was principal of David Lipscomb High School in Nashville, Tenn., from 1949 to 1957. He served as academic dean of David Lipscomb College (now Lipscomb University) from 1957 to 1978.
The Tennessean reports:

Dr. Craig started preaching as a high school student in Florida at the St. Augustine Church of Christ. He served as minister of Nashville-area Churches of Christ for more than 60 years, including the Reid Avenue, Whites Creek, Charlotte Avenue, Vultee, Hillsboro, and the Allensville (KY) congregations. In his last years, he was an active member of the Crieve Hall Church of Christ. He held Gospel meetings widely and is remembered for leading singing at the 1962 Collins-Craig meeting (attended by over 90,000 people), which was the first event held in the Municipal Auditorium. Many remember his powerful sermon, ‘There They Crucified Him,” which he preached every Easter.

Read the full obituary.
Lipscomb University posted a tribute to Craig on its website:

“During an association spanning nearly 70 years, Mack Craig was instrumental in the growth of Lipscomb University. His leadership helped to position Lipscomb as one of the leading academic institutions in the region, a reputation we celebrate and continue to build on today. As one of the most recognizable names among Churches of Christ, Dr. Craig encouraged thousands toward a closer relationship with God and lives of faith and service. Lipscomb University would not be the vibrant community it is today without the influence of Mack Craig,” said Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry.

• Feedback
  I have such fond memories of Tuesday night devotionals in Bison Square as Dr. Craig led us in worship. He was gracious and kind, and provided one of my first glimpses into a deeper understanding of God’s mercy and grace. How wonderful it is that the phrase, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” has surely welcomed him home.

  Greg

  March, 3 2011

  As a young preacher student I was extremely impressed every time I heard Dr. Craig speak. He was a very impressive orator with a sharp, crisp style. I was always mesmorized by his speeches/sermons/talks.

  Jimmy Edwards

  March, 4 2011

  I am sadden to learn of Dr. Craig’s death. He was Lipscom’s dean when I was a student. Some years later he conducted a gospel meeting for us at Gloster Street in Tupelo, MS. He preached some excellent sermons in this meeting.

  Joe Connell

  March, 5 2011

  Those Tuesday devotionals were wonderful. Good memories as well. Prayers and thoughts for his family.

  David Fisher

  March, 5 2011

  Mack Craig was one of my teachers in both high school and college and was a great influence on my life. He was a great class room teacher who could make American history come alive.

  Tom Trimble

  March, 6 2011

  Goodbye Bro,
  We will be there too some day, and we will rest from our toils and be comforted by the Lord Himself.

  Jacob Akerigba (Preacher), Nigeria

  March, 7 2011

  When Dr. Mack Craig stood up to preach he was eloquence personified.

  John Waddey

  March, 7 2011

  I lived at “Craig Hall”, the carriage house behind his big house on Graybar Lane while attending DLC. He married my wife and I 35 years ago. Doc was like a father to me and influences me yet today. Heaven became richer last week with his arrival.–Tom & Tricia Casey

  Tom Casey

  March, 9 2011

  We miss you so much Dr Craig for being our friends, helper and servant.

  Joshua Zhai

  August, 4 2011