May 13, 1961 – May 23, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Knight Brawley on May 23, 2026, at the age of 65.
Craig was born on May 13, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Dr. Richard G. Brawley and Sandra B. Brawley. He spent his childhood growing up in Greenville, Ohio, where he attended Greenville High School and graduated in 1980. As a child, you could often find Craig outdoors enjoying life to the fullest — riding ponies, helping with activities on the farm, riding lawnmowers, and even taking turns shooting guns. Craig never let anything keep him from experiencing life fully. He treasured his independence and especially enjoyed being able to drive around town, where everyone seemed to know and love Craig.
Shortly after graduation, Craig moved to Bloomington, Indiana, to attend a program that supported adults with disabilities. Although he enjoyed his time there, Craig eventually returned home to Greenville to remain close to the people he loved most — his family and friends.
Craig was a former resident of Brethren Retirement Community and spent the last two years at Austin Trace Health and Rehabilitation, where he continued to brighten the lives of those around him with his kindness, humor, and resilience.
Craig lived his entire life with spina bifida, but he never allowed his disability to define him. Instead, he faced every challenge with remarkable grace, courage, and determination. His strength was inspiring to all who knew him. He embraced life fully and refused to let anything keep him from the things that brought him joy.
And Craig truly loved life and loved his dog Axel and cat Snowball..
He was an avid sports fan who faithfully cheered on his beloved Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Whether watching a game, discussing details of the event, or celebrating a big win, sports brought him endless happiness and connection with others.
Craig also found joy in fishing, playing bingo, making trips to the Great Darke County Fair, enjoying good food, and simply being surrounded by family and friends — no matter where that may be. He was a lifetime member of the Greenville Moose and cherished the friendships and memories created there over the years.
More than anything, Craig will be remembered for the person he was. He had a beautiful soul — kind, thoughtful, genuine, and deeply caring. He had a special way of making people feel important and loved. His positive attitude, warm heart, and ability to find joy despite life’s hardships made a lasting impact on countless lives.
Craig is survived by his stepmother, J. Dianne Brawley; Nannette Brawley; his siblings, Chad (Julie) Brawley of Independence, Kentucky, Shawn (Jessica St. Myers) Brawley of Dayton, Tracie (Jeff) Bixler of The Villages, Florida, Ashley (Jared) Puchalski of Bellbrook; and stepsister Megan (Justin) Mundt of Loveland. He also leaves behind his beloved nephew Jace Brawley, nieces Justine Brawley, Madison (Toren) Ford-Jones, Kaitlyn Puchalski, Quinn Puchalski, Stella Mundt, and Hadley Mundt, along with his nephew Reid Brawley.
Craig leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, compassion, laughter, and love. Though he will be deeply missed every single day, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will occur Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM, at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio with Pastor Todd Reish officiating. A visitation for Craig will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio 45331. A Inurnment will occur at Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Spina Bifida Foundation or PAWS Bingo.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Brawley family
