Craig Roy Smith

Craig Roy Smith, 76, of Salem, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2022, from complications of a stroke he suffered nine days earlier. Craig was born in Provo on September 15, 1945, to Roy and Elsie Smith and was the youngest of 4 children and the baby brother to three sisters.

He attended Joaquin Elementary School and then went to Brigham Young High School (BY High) for junior high and also graduated from high school there in 1963.

Three years later, he married Margo Beazer. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from BYU, they moved to Everett, Washington where he worked at Boeing as a Tool Engineer designing tools and equipment used to build the first 747 that was rolled out of the custom-built Everett Plant. His only child, Stacie, was born in Everett during that time. A year later, they returned to Utah, and he received his master’s degree from BYU. Craig and Margo later divorced.

Craig worked for many years as an appraiser for Utah County, starting with residential and then later moving to commercial. He took an early retirement from Utah County and then worked as a courier for Bank of American Fork. Later, he worked at Sportsman’s Warehouse, and he really enjoyed both of those jobs.

In 1995, Craig married Diane Duke, who he met while working for Utah County, and gained 4 amazing stepchildren Erika, Nicole, Brad, and Robin. Craig and Diane spent 27 wonderful years together enjoying each other’s company, traveling, and taking care of each other. He was a devoted and doting husband to Diane.

Family and friends were always very important to him, and he made it a point to visit with and call them regularly. He was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and creativity. Craig was an extremely good shot and enjoyed both hunting and target shooting. He was also a wonderful photographer and gardener.

Craig was the best dad and a fun grandpa. He always knew how to get kids giggling and often joined in playing with them. He loved watching westerns, old and new. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed the associations with members of his ward. Craig and Diane were sealed in the Provo LDS temple in March of 2001.

Craig is survived by his wife Diane, children Stacie (LeRoy) Brown, Nicole (Gerhard) Hlawatschek, Brad (Melanie) Fillmore, Robin (Andy) Anderson; Sisters Teri Press and Tracy Hall; 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carol (Bill) Kassel, and daughter Erika (Peter) Snouffer.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 2, at 11am in Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 S 400 E in Springville.