Craig Eugene McInvale, age 69, of Demorest, Georgia, took his heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 07, 2023.
Born in Columbus, Georgia, on May 10, 1954, he was the first son of Gene & Dianne Friddell McInvale. Craig was raised in Warm Springs, Georgia, where he enjoyed adventures on the fish hatchery, riding his horse named Seven, and going camping with his family and friends. He was a graduate of Manchester High School, class of 1973. Craig married the love of his life, Brenda Betts McInvale of Woodbury, Georgia, on August 26, 1978, and together they enjoyed 45 years of marriage. Craig & Brenda have one daughter, Megan Lovie McInvale, who they welcomed to the world on July 23, 1981. The family of three enjoyed jeep riding in Craig’s Jeep, kayaking, being active outdoors, camping in the 1969 Airstream camper, and going deep-sea fishing. Craig worked for CSX Railroad as an Engineer for over 18 years and retired from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Parks & Rec with over 17 years of dedicated service.
Later in life, Craig became known as Pop to his granddaughters, Michaela & Makenzie. Most recently, he welcomed great-granddaughter Hallie Love “Grasshopper” Suffern. He has spent his time enjoying retired life surrounded by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, H.E. & Juliette Bulloch Friddell; Artis L. & Minnie Belle Hurst McInvale; in-laws, Jack & Allene Betts; & grandmother-in-law, Nell “Nanaw” Betts Loftin.
Survivors include his loving wife, Brenda Betts McInvale; daughter, Megan McInvale; granddaughters & grandson-in-law, Michaela & Masin Suffern; Makenzie Harris; great-granddaughter, Hallie Love Suffern, all of Demorest, GA; parents, Gene & Dianne Friddell McInvale of Warm Springs, GA; brother, Chet McInvale; sister, Julie McInvale Guthrie both of Warm Springs, GA; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, John William & Susan Betts of Woodbury, GA; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.
Graveside services are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Warm Springs City Cemetery with Mr. Johnny P. Kierbow officiating.
The family will have a reception immediately following the service at the home of his parents, Gene & Dianne.
Cox Funeral Home of Manchester will be in charge of arrangements in Warm Springs.
An online guest registry is available for the McInvale family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256
