William Craig Steedley, 58

Mr. William Craig Steedley, age 58, of Swainsboro, was called to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 22, at 2 p.m. at Hawhammock Baptist Church with Reverends Cail Pressey and Raymond Scott officiating. Interment followed in Hawhammock Baptist Church cemetery. The family received friends Saturday, June 22, from 12:30 p.m. until time of service at Hawhammock Baptist Church.

Pallbearers were Lynn Barber, Brian Clemmons, Jason Clemmons, Doug Steedley, Hansel Steedley and Tim Steedley. Honorary pallbearers were Hank Akridge, Jeff Newsome, Barbara Stokes and Mark Stroud.

Born on July 23, 1965, in Thomasville, Craig was the cherished son of Bill and Carole Steedley. An honor graduate of Swainsboro High School’s Class of 1983, he was a member of several organizations, none more beloved than his role in the SHS Tiger Varsity Baseball Team. Craig’s academic pursuits led him to the University of Georgia and culminated in a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Georgia Southern College in 1987. During his collegiate journey, he valued the life-long friendships he made as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After college, Craig attained a master’s degree of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1996. An ordained minister, he and his family faithfully ministered across in Arkansas, Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Craig’s dedication extended beyond the pulpit as an educator, teaching social sciences, mathematics, and AT preparation. He generously shared his passion for baseball as an assistant high school coach. Above all, Craig’s relationship with Christ is where he found his identity. It was the cornerstone of his existence. Known for his warm demeanor, Craig never knew a stranger. He found joy in the written word as a voracious reader and writer and found great fulfillment in the pursuit of knowledge.

In the tapestry of his life, Craig lived his days with the simple joys: cultivating his square foot garden, savoring every frame of Peanuts holiday cartoons, reveling in the magic of Christmastime, playing Trivial Pursuit, learning about Civil War history and cherishing the timeless melodies of oldies music. His heart beat true for all things Georgia, especially the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. Craig was a faithful fan of Georgia sports teams – even when at times it seemed all hope was lost.

Mr. Steedley is survived by his parents; children’s mother, Lauren Atwell Steedley of Powder Springs; daughters, Whitney Bogionni (Michael) of Melburn, FL and Kate Joyner (Dylan) of Douglasville; son, Michael Steedley of Powder Springs; grandchildren, James Joyner, Everett Joyner, Verity Joyner and Luca Bogionni; sister, Daphne Scott (Raymond) of Swainsboro; nieces, Julia Scott and Libby Scott; and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Penfield Christian Home, 1031 New Dorm Road, Union Point, GA 30669.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.