Stuart Craig Churchill

(Stuart) Craig Churchill, theological librarian, teacher and minister, died in Abilene, Texas on November 21, 2024, at the age of 62.

 A celebration of Craig’s life is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 4:30-5:30p.m. at Minter Lane Church of Christ. The family welcomes friends to visit prior to the service from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

 Craig was born on March 5, 1962, in Bryan, Texas, to Jack and Sue (Godwin) Churchill. Craig spent the majority of his childhood in College Station with his older brother, Chet, and attended A&M Consolidated schools. His mother died when he was a junior in high school, an event that was pivotal in Craig’s life. Chet was studying at Texas A&M, and Craig lived with him until he finished high school in 1980.

 Craig then enrolled at Texas A&M University, where he joined his brother in Aggies for Christ (AFC). He was baptized into Christ in 1980 by Dan Warden at the A&M Church of Christ in College Station, Texas. In 1984 he met the love of his life, Anita Killough, in Aggies for Christ, and they married in 1986. Craig had a circuitous academic journey with multiple majors and victory laps, often working in construction in the summer or during semesters off. In 1987 he finally earned his B.S. degree in elementary education. When he did his third grade student teaching, he was completely overwhelmed with teaching so many subjects and told Anita, “I can't do this for the rest of my life.” It was then that he looked into starting a degree in ministry at the Institute for Christian Studies in Austin, Texas.

 Craig went on to pursue advanced studies for the next seven years, including an additional bachelor’s degree from the Institute for Christian Studies in Austin in 1989; an M.S. in Biblical and Related Studies (1991) and an MDiv. (1992) from Abilene Christian University; and the M.LIS from University of Texas at Austin (1994).

 Craig began work at ACU in 1992, serving for more than 30 years as the university’s first and only dedicated theological librarian, and he taught courses in the university’s Graduate School of Theology. He mentored countless student workers, many of whom serve as ministers, professors and theological librarians today. Craig built ACU’s theological library into a world-class collection over his three decades of service to the university. Craig was admired by his colleagues, and he is the only librarian in the university’s history to serve as Faculty Senate chair, a position he held from 2007-08.

 Craig and Anita were blessed with three children: Jonathan (1990), James (1993), and Laura (1995). He was most proud of their accomplishments. As a dad, he was a great teller of elaborate, made-up stories. For a man who was a fiercely competitive sports fanatic, he coached their sports teams with integrity, with a focus on being Christlike and sportsmanlike. In a household with strongly held opinions, Craig would often encourage empathy in disputes by asking, “What does the other side say?” He loved playing ping pong, and had a bet with Jon and James that he would pay them $20 if they beat him. Word got out in the neighborhood, and friends of the boys would then come over to try their luck.

 Laura wanted to know if she would get paid if she beat him. He said, “Honey, I’ll pay you $100 if you beat me!” You can imagine how that story ended up. Craig was also a crank caller and inveterate prankster, and the kids received their fair share. He was thrilled to become Pop-Pop to his granddaughter, Scarlett.

 Craig was a man of contrasts. He was brilliant, but absent-minded; highly educated, but able and willing to build relationships with any kind of person. He went to Texas A&M, but was a die-hard Longhorn fan (Hook ‘Em!). For most of his life he was tall and thin, but he could put away the tacos, and he loved eating! Craig loved to read and to share articles and book recommendations with his circle of friends. He mentored young ministers in training, pointing them to resources in the library and modeling a life of wisdom and love.

 In 2012, Craig faced a challenge that would change his life. That year he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and thus began a journey of ups and downs that dogged him until his death. And while Parkinson’s slowed him down, it never stopped him from doing the work God called him to do.

 One of the hallmarks of Craig’s life was his heart for folks being released from prison or going through a rough patch. He and Anita opened their home to many individuals over the years, providing encouragement and support so they could get back on their feet. He served people in so many ways, offering rides, loaning cars, sharing meals or coffee, studying the Bible, and praying both with and for them.

Craig was a beloved member of Minter Lane Church of Christ in Abilene and preached at many small congregations over the years, including Churches of Christ at Tye, Cottonwood, and De Leon.

 Craig was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Ben Churchill. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Anita; their children, Jon Churchill of Midland, James Churchill of Abilene, and Laura Churchill of Paris, France; one granddaughter, Scarlett Churchill; his brother, Chet Churchill of Runnemede, NJ; their extended family; and a host of friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Craig’s life may make a memorial gift to … 

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s www.michaeljfox.org

King’s Crossing Prison Ministries www.kingscrossingprisonministries.org