Hattiesburg, Mississippi - Gary Ernest Craig, 61, of, passed away to go to his heavenly home on Friday, January 3, 2014. He is formerly of Monette, graduating from Monette HighSchool in 1970. He was of the Baptist belief. Gary was born October 5, 1952 in Leachville to the late William Russell Craig and Ruby Rosetta Bush Craig. Gary moved to Mississippi in 1979 and attended the University of Southern Mississippi obtaining his undergraduate degree in social work in August 1983. He earned his graduate degree in Social and Rehabilitative Counseling in May 1986. He worked for the State of Mississippi for more than 10 years, primarily providing counseling and helping services to south Mississippiresidentsthrough the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Hattiesburg. After his retirement in 1995 Gary\u0027s hobbies included leather work as well as being involved in making sure that individuals in Mississippi had adequate access to various locations and businesses with the implementation of the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Heserved on various local boards that truly assisted the handicapped by assisting the appropriate agencies in enforcing the ADA. Gary also spent a considerable amount of time on the computer researching the laws of the ADA. He is survived by two sisters and their husbands: Kaye and Wayne Ray of Hattiesburg; Raye and Ted Finley of Monette; two brothers and their wives: Gene and Jan Craig and Bill and Linda Craig all of Monette; three nieces: Lorri (Jeff) Devereaux of Hattiesburg, Marti Finley Ladd of Monette and Leigh (Nathan) Coleman ofBrookland; four nephews: Michael (Ginger) Ray of Hattiesburg, Rusty (Jennifer) Craig and Tom Craig all of Monette and Mickey (Joanne) Craig of Hillsdale, MI; caregiver for more than thirty years, William Swindoll. He also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Michael Ray, Jeff Devereaux, Tom Craig, Mickey Craig, Rusty Craig, Jim Watson, Tommy Ray and Nathan Coleman. A celebration of Gary\u0027s life will begin on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Monette Baptist Church. The services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the Monette Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Reed and Rev. Rusty Bird officiating. Burial will follow at the Macey Cemetery under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Monette. A memorial service will be held in Hattisburg at a later date. In lieu of flowers, lasting Memorials may be sent to the United Way of Southeast Mississippi, (funds to be directed to "Living Independently for Everyone" - LIFE) P. O. Box 1648; Hattiesburg, MS 39403