William Orville Cragg, Sr.

William Orville Cragg, Sr. of Caro, age 84, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Tuscola County Medical Care Community. William was born October 6, 1938, in Fairgrove, the son of the late Orville and Margaret (Molnar) Cragg. He attended and graduated from Fairgrove High School with the class of 1956. William worked with his father in the well drilling business until he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of basic training, he was stationed in Korea until his discharge from the service. When William returned home, he enrolled in Saginaw Valley College where he received a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. Subsequently, he spent a period of time employed by Dow Corning, but he soon decided to return to the business of well drilling. Through this decision he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, uncle, and brother to become a third generation well driller. William continued in this endeavor for over forty years until his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion, and a lifelong member of Fairgrove V.F.W. William was an honorary member of Michigan Ground Water Association and served three years on the Michigan State Well Drillers Advisory Board. He had a long-standing interest in aviation and took flying lessons. As a result, he was able to achieve his dream of flying by obtaining a pilot’s license to fly small planes. One of his pleasures was flying over the Thumb area. William also enjoyed traveling and visited several places in the United States and Canada.

William leaves to cherish his memory, his special friend, Marilyn Collon; daughter Wendy Jo (Dennis) Domino; son, William “Rusty” Cragg, Jr.; sister, Rose Strunz; sisters-in-law, Rosalie Cragg and Iola Cragg; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his siblings, Raymond Cragg, Robert Cragg, and Betty Bills.

In keeping with William’s wishes, cremation has taken place and inurnment will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove. A memorial will be held at a later date.