Craig Worley was an elder candidate at our Naperville church plant, Cross of Christ Fellowship, and a dear brother and friend to me. He passed away this week.
Here is a passage of Scripture, an obituary of his life that his daughter wrote, and information about his memorial and funeral service.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Craig once said that reading fiction made him happy, but reading Scripture brought him joy. It was this joy that taught him how to be rooted and established in the love of Christ. He understood the power that came from bringing all the Lord’s holy people together in community and fellowship, for encouragement and discipleship. To know Craig was to feel the width and length and height and depth of his love for Christ and all His people. What we grieve at his passing is for our loss alone. But we can rejoice in the knowledge that Craig is now filled to the measure with all the fullness of God and able to walk in His presence.
After a mercifully short battle with glioblastoma, Craig went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at 7:33 am. Craig (dob 5-7-64) was survived by his loving wife, Michelle M. Worley (Naperville, IL), his mother Myra Worley (Holiday, FL), his four daughters Michelle Sieburg (Peter), Cheryl Lowery (William), Elizabeth Worley (Ashlee), and Hannah Pospisil (Thomas), his 4 grandsons Aram, Ethan, Craig and Clayton, and his 3 siblings Ronald A Worley (Linda) of Navarre FL, Gary E. Worley (Marcy) of Ridgefield, CT and Linda L Worley (Dana) of Vermillion, OH. He was preceded in death by his Father, William Worley (Holiday, FL).
A celebration of life service will be held at New Covenant Church in Naperville, IL (1 Bunting Ln) on Saturday June 29, 2019 at 2:00 pm. (Here is text for the sermon preached at his service). He will be buried at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on July 5, 2019 at 1:00 pm. A brief wake will be held at Dobies Funeral Home, 4910 Bartelt Road, Holiday FL 34690 on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 from 6-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family would love for you to make a donation in Craig’s name to the American Brain Tumor Association, www.abta.org.
UPDATE: Here’s the audio for the sermon preached at Craig’s Celebration of Life Service.
25 replies on “Craig Worley Memorial & Funeral Service”
I worked with Craig for 4 years in Seattle. It was always such a joy to be with Craig who is one of the nicest and happies person I met! I feel very blessed that I got to know him. This picture is Craig at his essence – a good man. He will be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Worley family.
Our family is in prayer over here for you all. So sorry to hear of the loss of Craig.
-Eric and Roxie Lewis
I’m beyond stunned to hear of his passing. The Worley’s were long time members of Heritage Park Baptist Church in Massachusetts. Craig was so faithful and a blessing to serve beside. He was the first person I ever met who shared my birthday. I’ll miss wishing him happy birthday. I loved seeing the pictures of him with the grand kids. He was so happy to be a grand father. I’m sure Polly and Harold greeted him right away. What a reunion we will have in heaven!
I will always remember Craig as the consummate family man. What wonderful times of fellowship we had at heritage Park Baptist Church. He was always ready to help in any situation and was all so kind! He will truly be missed by all those whose lives he blessed.
Mr.Worley is my best friends Cheryl’s dad. I grew up with his girls and family. Their house was my second home. They were my second set of parents. He was quiet, yet hilarious with his sci-fi Disney comedy and artistic abilities! I am truly shocked and my heart is broken for all, peace to all I love u guys
Our hearts are with the Worley family and extended family. It was such a pleasure to serve with him at Heritage Park Baptist Church in Burlington, MA in the 90’s. What a talented man! His love for Jesus showed in the love he showed to all of us.
Our heart’s are with Michelle, Shelley, Cheryl, Liz & Hannah. Also with your spouses & children. And the rest of Craig’s family.
He was such a joy to serve with him at Heritage Park Baptist Church in Burlington, MA. His love for Jesus showed in his love for all of us. He was such a talented man. I’ll never forget the mural he painted in the nursery.
I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity/honor to meet Craig. I have heard for years what a kind, loving soul he had snd I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it first hand. Craig exuded kindness and love and adoration for his family and the people he was around. He got it. It’s as though his work on earth was done. Good bye was not in the cards. Till we meet again Craig. It was an honor to have met you. Lil Sandi.
My prayers and with you in this time. Lizzie we love you!
There are no words. Unspeakable shock is the closest I can come. We served together both at Hanscom Air Force Base and at Heritage Park Baptist Church in Burlington MA. I believe I accepted Jesus as Craig sang a hymn of invitation – “Just As I Am”, in the spring of 1994. We also worked for Jacob’s at the same time. Faithfulness is one word I would use to describe Craig. He was just an awesomely dedicated, wise, talented, , and generous human being. I will miss following his words of wisdom in the social media circles. Michelle, girls – our heart and prayers go out to you all as you mourn your loss. In the Lynch house, it is our loss as well – and everyone who knew him. And in the meanwhile we look forward to that great day of reunion. It’s true – Polly & Harold are sitting with him right now praising Jesus. We loved Craig and we love you Worley family. May the peace and comfort only God can provide be with you.
Resolute and strong in faith, patient and gentle in his demeanor, caring and open to all he met is how I would describe Craig. We only worked together for a short time but it was clear from our first meeting that he was a genuine and good person. The world is a better place for having had his light in it even for a short time. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time.
Louise and I were so sad to hear the news about Craig. He always made us feel welcome during our time in the USA and we always enjoyed his positive attitude to life. We are praying for Michelle and the family.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Frank and Louise
Craig and I worked together at Jacobs in the Tampa office. I’ve known him for nearly 20 years. He was always a consummate professional, kind, helpful; a real gentleman. I was so shocked when I heard this; it happened so quickly. I will always keep him, Michelle, and their family in my prayers.
Working with Craig was always a pleasure. He was a good man and had a great family. So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences and prayers go out to Michelle and his family during this time.
Those of us who have worked with Craig at the Tollway have been blessed to know him. His strong work ethic, calm presence, creative problem solving, analytical mind, and abiding patience and good will have been a gift to us all. Our hearts break for his family, and we are so grateful to have been part his journey.
I am truly saddened by his passing. He was a great teacher, mentor and friend – especially to my son – and always showed enthusiasm and patience. He has touched the lives of many people in a positive, supportive and nurturing way, he will be truly missed. My heartfelt prayers and sympathies go out to Michelle and the family.
I just discovered the saddened news of Craig’s passing & I am shocked. Craig & Michelle are my fellow neighbors at The Dwell of Naperville. My son and I have known them for a few years now. The first time I met Craig (and Michelle) they made me and my son feel like family. Good folks! Their love for God shined through. We felt nothing but positive vibes and have enjoy each others company at many community gatherings. They even invited my son and I to a BBQ once. On many occasions, I would see Craig walking through the complex, always smiling. My heart felt condolences to Michelle and his entire family. May God bless all of you during this time. Love, Rachel & Quinton
This is too sad, good men like Craig are few. When I first meet Craig I knew he was the best husband and father. Craig was what most people aspire to be, a kind and loving human being. Not to mention his strong faith. His humor was enjoyed by all. He left too soon, but his loving impact with his wife, girls and grandchildren and all that knew him will live on. My deepest sympathy to his family and all those lives that he has touched. Love you all, Aunt Lynn
My memory of Craig was traveling in a car with him on the way to a client presentation. Knowing that Craig’s background was in IT, I had an off-the-cuff question about why my IT equipment at home was not working. He gave a really thoughtful, elaborate explanation as to why, and it told me two things. One, he was really smart in his field. And two, he cared enough to devote the time to get me my answer.
In our fast-paced world where many people cannot find the time to be genuine, Craig stood apart, and that’s the memory I have of him. The world needs people of his character, and it is truly a shame to lose someone so kind and considerate. My heart can only go out to his family that he talked so highly of, and I hope they can find the peace to know that they were truly loved by such a great person.
When we were kids Craig was joyful and shared the love of Christ with those he encountered. He carried that mantle his entire life, and I count it an honor to have known him and Shelly as they started their journey together. I find myself praying for his family every day since hearing of his passing.
Wow! I worked with Craig at Jacobs, and since leaving Jacobs, kept up with his moves in Jacobs. Such a great and humble person Craig was to all. He was a team player and always open to engagements. So sorry to read this news. All the prayers to his family……rest in peace Craig!
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I worked with Craig in Seattle and always found him to be kind and helpful, a very gentle man. I hope that he has found peace, and that his family will find peace and joy in remembering him!
I am so saddened to hear this news. Craig was my first supervisor in the USAF back in 1987! He was the nicest, most honorable Airman I had the pleasure to serve with and work for. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. Michelle, and family, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I was very sorry to hear of this news. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Craig for a number of years at Jacobs in Florida. I could always tell from talking to Craig that he put his family first – as it should be. My prayers are with his family.