Craig Everett Simpson

Craig Everett Simpson, 56 of Bayboro passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Carolina East Medical Center.

Around his small town, Craig was very well known. Most knew him as the guy in the wheelchair that would ride up and down the sidewalk during the day or hang out with his huntin’ buddies at the gas station. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, training his dogs, rock ‘n’ roll, and country music. Craig loved his family more than anything. And that meant all of his family, not just the ones he saw often or on a regular basis. That Simpson love ran deep within his soul. His greatest love was his daughter, Madi.

Craig ‘s mother raised him and his older brother Chris to be hard-working individuals. At age 15, Craig decided school wasn’t for him (his words) and that is when he started his commercial fishing career. He was following the generational footsteps of family members before him. Life out on the water was his passion. He was a “jack of all trades” kind of man. Throughout his time on the boat, he was the cook, the first mate, all the way up to the Captain.

Craig displayed a strong sense of resilience during his lifetime. Despite him being bound to a wheelchair, due to a hunting accident in 2003, he still continued to live his life to the fullest. He did not allow his new lifestyle to bring him down. He was at times hardheaded, but always kind, strong, funny, and full of shenanigans, but most of all a loving, God-fearing, country boy. His deep love for his daughter motivated him to become the best new version of himself that he could be.

This new identity included becoming independent enough to be able to care for himself alone, provide care for his daughter when she was with him, and drive a van. He also went back to school to receive his GED. After, he then proceeded to take classes through Craven Community College and graduated with two associate degrees. One in Arts and the other in Science. He did all of this while bound to a wheelchair and paralyzed from the chest down/quadriplegic. Craig’s dedication to his work, personal life, and academic success allowed him to excel overall, in many ways. He was very proud of himself for all that he had accomplished within his life, before and after his accident, through both joyous times and hardships.

Craig continued to build a legacy, through perseverance and determination, when he beat the odds out of the park and surpassed his life expectancy (after his accident) for an additional 23 years. He will be remembered for his inspirational soul and deep love that he gave to his family and friends.

Craig is preceded in death by his GrandMammie, Laura Cowell Simpson; GrandDaddy, William Bryan Simpson Jr; aunts, Margaret Henries, Daisy Nobles, Jackie Houston; uncle, Wayne Simpson; cousin, Dallas Nobles; and nephews, Trace and Damian Nobles. Beloved “man’s best friend” pets, Lulu, Bubba, and Ace.

Craig is survived by his daughter, Madison Simpson; mother, Laura Love Simpson; brother, Christopher Simpson (Jennifer); aunt, Dot Armstrong (Dicky); uncle, William Bryan “Billy Hen” Simpson II; cousin who was raised like a sister, Tracy Johnson (Fred); and cousin who was like a brother, Mark Nobles; nieces, Asheton Davis (Matt), Mya Jones (Chris), Carlee & Amy Johnson; great nieces, Scarlett Davis & Annaleia Pichardo-Madrid; nephews, Blase Nopper, Allen Nobles, and Alan Johnson; and special dog, Josie Bell.

Additional close and loved family members include Miranda Simpson (Jody Henries), Angel (Will), Winona, Brylei, Steven Lewis Lupton (Lisa); Cathy Bolton (Don), Erica & Clayton Hancock (Holly), Jeffrey Moore Jr (Kaselun), Maggie Jay, Gracelynn, Layla; Lee Armstrong; Sherri Carmady, Alexis Kelly, Cameron Warren, Emily Downs; Jamie Radcliff (Bubba), Jayla, Bryson, Jodi Kaye Houston (Scottie); Dallas Jr, Bryan Nobles; Herman Henries, Herman Jr, Jessica, Jimmy; Nell Toler, Trevor.

Visitation will be held at 6:00 PM, Saturday, June 20, at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home with a memorial service following at 7:00 PM with Pastor Kristie Mitchell officiating.

**Special request per Craig himself**- Please wear bright colors to honor and remember him, while attending his services.