[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT CRAIGHEAD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2024

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert 
``Bob'' Anderson Craighead, who passed away on February 9, 2024. He was 
97 years old.
  Mr. Craighead was born on December 18, 1926, in Hyattsville, 
Maryland, to William M. and Jean C. Craighead. He graduated from Andrew 
Lewis High School at age 16 and then began a 44-year career in 
railroads, as a messenger in the N&W's Blacksmith Shop.
  Not long after, Mr. Craighead's railroad career was put on hold when 
he volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, serving 
as a rifleman with the Fourth Marine Division and earning a Purple 
Heart after being wounded in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He also tried to 
volunteer for the Korean War when the war broke out, but because of his 
injuries, was turned down.
  After returning from World War II, he completed a four-year 
apprenticeship, and moved to the Industrial Development Department in 
1954, retiring in 1987 as Regional Manager.
  During his life he served as the President of the Salem/Roanoke 
County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Salem Industrial 
Development Authority, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee 
of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, and he was a member of the 
Regional Partnership of the Roanoke Valley. He also served as director 
and Vice President of the Salem Educational Foundation and Alumni 
Association, establishing the Craighead Family Endowment, awarding 
scholarships to graduates of Salem High School.
  When I was a boy, growing up in a mother-led single parent household, 
Mr. Craighead was very kind in making sure that I was included in 
activities with his boys.
  Following his retirement in 1987, Mr. Craighead wrote and published a 
book titled, ``Jackson's Legacy.''
  He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Terry Akers Craighead, 
his parents, and his two brothers, William M. Craighead, Jr. and James 
L. Craighead.
  He is survived by his five children and their significant others, 
Russell Craighead and Cynthia Miller, Anne Craighead, Steve and Beth 
Craighead, Nancy Craighead and Janet Ardam, Tim and Debra Craighead; 
adoptive daughter, Amanda Allen; nine grandchildren; and sixteen great-
grandchildren. I wish them my sincerest condolences during this 
difficult time.
  I want to thank Mr. Craighead for his service to our country and note 
that he was a valued member of the Salem community throughout his life.

                          ____________________