Samuel “Craig” Murray, Sr., age 74, born February 21, 1952, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, memories, and deep family connection.

Craig was beloved for his hilarious sense of humor and a laugh that was instantly contagious, one of those rare laughs that could crack you up without a single word being said. He brought light into every room and had a gift for turning ordinary moments into stories worth retelling. Whether he was joking with friends or playfully teasing family, he found joy in making others smile.

In many ways, Craig served as the family historian. He remembered names, dates, and the small but meaningful details that others might forget. He took special pride in researching family ancestry and preserving memories, even converting old family 8mm films into modern formats so future generations could see and feel where they came from. Because of him, moments that might have faded with time will continue to live on.

Craig attended Steubenville High School, Big Red, graduating in 1970, and later studied at the University of Cincinnati. Throughout his life, he enjoyed simple and meaningful pleasures, including tinkering with cars, computers, or anything else he felt needed fixing, spending time with family, fishing, and riding motorcycles. These passions reflected his hands on nature, his love of freedom, and his appreciation for life’s quieter moments.

He is survived by his devoted spouse of 35 years, Andrea Crim; his sons, Craig Murray, Jr. and John “BJ” Murray; and his cherished grandchildren, Amari, Isaiah, and Daven. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley McCroom of Boston, Massachusetts, and Deborah Lewis of Atlanta, Georgia, along with her husband Keith Lewis and their sons Andre and Kendrick; and his brother, Kirk Murray of Wintersville, Ohio, along with his wife Tracey Murray and their adult children Niko and Alyssa. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will remember him with love and appreciation.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Captain Samuel Murray of the Steubenville Police Department and Justine Murray; his brother, Bernard “Yink” Lewis; and his former spouse, Ann Murray of Weirton, West Virginia.

More than anything, Craig will be remembered for the joy he brought to others, the stories he carried, and the love he gave so freely. His presence shaped the lives of those around him in ways that will endure, carried forward in laughter, in memory, and in the strong bonds of family he helped hold together.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Gregory-Martin Funeral Home, Steubenville Chapel, 255 South 7th Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home, proudly serving families in Steubenville and Youngstown. For more information, please call (740) 282-1234.