Obituary for Dr. John (Doc) Craig McElroy
Dr. John (Doc) Craig McElroy, 74, went home to our savior on January 20th, 2018. Doc was born in Williamson, West Virginia, on May 15, 1943. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry C. McElroy and J. Alice McElroy, and his brother William (Bill) E. McElroy. Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law Carol and Stinson McCroskey, son and daughter-in-law John W. and Laurrette McElroy, daughter and son-in-law Rene and Thomas Neff, granddaughters Morgan Neff and Makenzie Carter, grandson-in-law Dustin Carter and great granddaughter Clara E. Carter. He also leaves behind his four-legged companion and best friend, Buddy.
Doc was a 1965 Graduate of Emory and Henry College. He shared his knowledge of chemistry and other sciences as a teacher at Grundy High School before attending Southern College of Optometry in Memphis Tennessee. Upon graduation in 1973, Doc began practicing optometry in Pulaski and Marion, Virginia. In 2013, Doc retired from a career he loved and enjoyed for 40 years.
Doc was a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club of Pulaski County. His infatuation with old cars prompted membership in the Studebaker Club since 1995. He also enjoyed spending his time in the woods during hunting season with his friends. He was an avid fan of bluegrass music and enjoyed photography. As a member of the boy scouts, he earned the highest honor of Eagle Scout.
Doc was a member at Draper’s Valley Presbyterian Church. He traveled with the mission team, seven times, to share his love and skills at the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It is from this final trip to Jamaica that his journey to heaven is complete.
Doc was an inspiration to many and always ready with encouraging and loving advice. His wit and sense of humor was one of a kind. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live forever.
A memorial celebration will be held at the Draper’s Valley Presbyterian Church Sunday, January 28th at 2 pm with the Rev. Bob Davis officiating. A continuing celebration will be held at 3:30 pm at the Pulaski Senior Center, Washington Ave. Pulaski. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Draper’s Valley Presbyterian Church 2755 Old Baltimore Rd., Draper, VA 24324. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, VA.
January 24, 2018 @ 2:06 pm
Dear Carol,
I was surprised when I first saw a post that was tagged TO John rather than from John on Facebook.then I started reading it and saw it was from one of his former employees saying how much she was going to miss him and what a kind man he had been to her when she was having a problem. I then felt such shock when I realized that she was reacting to the fact of his death. I am so sorry for your loss but know he had a full and eventful life doing lots of good for many others. He will be missed!
He and I started 1st grade together – I stopped in Pulaski once when I was back in VA, and found him at his office. I waited until he finished with a patient and then he came out and I asked if he knew who I was. He didn’t recognize me and I didn’t recognize him! He came to one of the Class of ’61 reunions in one of his Studebakers – there were just a few of us there at The Breaks and we had our pictures taken around his car – and that’s the last time I saw him. He will be missed!
January 28, 2018 @ 8:19 am
I extend my deepest condolences to John’s family. I taught with John and his Mother at GSHS where I came to adore his Mother Alice and to enjoy John’s wit. He was so much like his Mother. I am so sorry for your loss and hope the very fond memories of him will sustain you.
Judy McCoy Little