LeRoy Nathaniel Craig, 85, of Harrisburg, passed peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2014. "Craig" was born on November 14, 1928, a twin, in Harrisburg, PA, the beloved son of Levi and Dorothy (Simpson) Craig. He was a graduate of William Penn High School where he excelled in track and shattered school records in hurdle events. He was awarded a full scholarship to Tennessee State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. At TSU, he distinguished himself as such a fierce competitor in the hurdle events that he was nominated for the Olympics at a time in our country's history when African Americans were generally excluded. In his youth, he developed a lifelong passion for swimming, track and field, music, piano and horseback riding. As a teen, he became a renowned competitive swimmer, taught swimming at the former Foster Street YMCA, began mentoring youth and distinguished himself in academics. As a Tennessee Tiger, he was a teammate of Olympian Wilma Rudolph. After graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served with honor. Craig returned to Harrisburg and later married Margaretta M. Reeves. They owned a 50 acre farm in Lewisberry where he designed and built, by hand, a barn and stable to house the horses that he loved to ride and later became an accomplished skier. He was employed at the New Cumberland Army Depot and became one of the first Executive Directors of Tri-County Opportunities Industrialization Center, (OIC), Inc., where he helped many adults to complete their education, attend college, and receive job training. Craig's entrepreneurial spirit led him to begin a construction/demolition business, becoming one of the first to renovate homes in Midtown Harrisburg. He was a founding member of the international fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc's, Harrisburg Alumni Chapter. Craig was an avid yoga devotee, loved to travel, and meet new people from different cultures., and his love of music, particularly jazz, led him to become a founding member of the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz. Craig loved to travel, meet new people and different cultures. His diverse love, talents and legacy will be honored and cherished by his family: Margaretta Craig; Daughters Doreena (Alfred) Sloan, Lisa (Keith) Knox; Grandchildren Alfred II (Du'Shawn), Nathaniel, Isaac and Mikaela Sloan, Keith and Craig Knox; beloved Great-grandchildren Leilani, Kylah, Sincere and Isaac, Jr., Sloan; Sister Elaine Craig (Leon) Roberts; close cousins Neal (Joyce) Simpson, Sandra Bell, Palm Hall, and a host of relatives and friends. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Manna Café, 2020 State Street, Harrisburg, PA, and everyone is asked to partner with us by contributing to a building renovation project for veterans which will be renamed in his honor: RLMI, PO Box 3401, Harrisburg PA 17105.

Published in Patriot-News on Aug. 31, 2014.