Michael Alan “Mike” Crager, 72, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on April 14, 2022.
Mike was born in Quitman, Ga., to John and Billie Crager, both deceased. Growing up, Mike lived in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and California and graduated from high school in Huntington Beach in 1968. Shortly after graduation and following in the footsteps of his Marine father and two Army brothers, John and Bob, Mike joined the U.S. Navy Seabees. Mike proudly served our country in Guam, Okinawa and Vietnam, serving during the war from 1970-71. After returning home, Mike completed his B.A. degree in construction management from Fresno State University, now the University of California, Fresno. Mike enjoyed a successful career working in commercial construction and owned his own company. Mike earned his state of Florida General Contractor License in 1980.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, firearms and target shooting. He achieved the U.S. Navy’s highest marksmanship qualification of “Expert” with both pistol and rifle. He was a licensed private pilot and airplane owner for many years and had just returned to his love of flying at the time of his passing. From childhood onward, Mike was always known for having many various pets. Later in life, he became a German Shepherd owner of several dogs, most notably his licensed service dog of 10 years, Atos, who was born and trained in Czechoslovakia and sadly passed in 2020. Mike and Nancy owned three equestrian farms, which included five Tennessee walking horses, chickens, goats, two cats, and their dogs, Atos, Bryx, Faith, Zoe and Toby. We believe that our animals at home now are grieving the loss of their dear friend. Mike loved spending time with his family, his two children and six grandchildren. He was a great teacher of practical skills and life lessons. Mike was seen by all as a true patriarch of the family and dearly loved his wife.
Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Crager, whom he met in California, and their two children, daughter Alison and son Andrew, and daughter-in-law Jennifer. He is survived by six grandchildren, ranging in ages from 7-20, Michael Hitz, Bradley Hitz, Gabriel Hitz, Arisa Vukich, Nicholas Meyer and Ryan Meyer. Mike is also survived by his sister, Jeanne; two brothers, Joe Crager and Tom Crager; Aunt Ada Francis and Aunt Barbara; 18 nieces and nephews and several cousins. On Nancy’s side, Mike is survived by her sisters, Linda and Joy; her brother, Bruce; and their children, Tara, Kristen, Diane, Leyla and Cooper. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, John and Billie Crager, and brothers, John and Robert Crager.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 2 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Oxley-Heard funeral home in Fernandina Beach, Fla. His cremains will be buried with a service and military honor guard presentation at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1 p.m. in the Committal shelter. Visit www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/jacksonville.asp.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity or to the First Coast German Shepherd Rescue in Jacksonville at www.firstcoastgsr.com and navigate to the Donate page or Contact Us page to request a mailing address for a check.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
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