Craig Emmett Burcham, Jr.

 Mr. Craig Emmett Burcham, Jr., 78, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus, surrounded by the love of his family.

A gathering of family and friends is planned for Sunday, August 16, from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Wilkinson Funeral Home, with a celebration of Craig's life to follow at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Military honors will be presented in recognition of his service to our country.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Craig in exactly the way he would have wanted-with good stories, beach music, laughter, and a cold beer shared in his memory at Southern Strain Brewery.

Craig was born July 8, 1948, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the son of the late Jessie Smith Burcham and the late Craig Emmett Burcham, Sr. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Burcham.

He grew up in Winston-Salem and graduated from North Forsyth High School before attending Wingate College. His path through young adulthood was shaped by a call to serve his country when he was drafted into the United States Army. Following his military service, Craig returned home with a determination to continue his education and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from East Carolina University.

After college, Craig began a long and successful career with Philip Morris in Richmond, Virginia. His work later brought him to Concord, where he was part of the opening of the company's manufacturing facility and spent many years as a production manager. He took tremendous pride in his work and in the relationships he built along the way. After nearly 25 years with Philip Morris, Craig later continued his career with Blum Inc. where they manufactured hardware until he retired.

But a résumé could never adequately describe Craig.

Craig was one of those people who could walk into a room and, before long, seem to know everyone in it. He was charismatic, quick-witted, animated, and always ready with a joke. His daughters affectionately joked that wherever he went, Craig quickly became "the mayor." That remained true even during his hospital stays, where his personality and charm made such an impression that nurses from previous floors would come back just to visit him.

If there was a golf course nearby, Craig was happiest with a club in his hands. Golf was far more than a casual hobby for him. He was an accomplished and competitive golfer who played in numerous tournaments and Pro-Am events over the years, even having the opportunity to play with legendary golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez. Among the stories his family will always enjoy telling is the day Craig made a hole-in-one-and walked away $10,000 richer for doing it.

When he wasn't on the golf course, Craig loved the beach. Some of his fondest memories went back to fishing from the pier with his father, and a trip to the coast always felt a little like coming home. He loved beach music, loved to shag, eating great food and appreciated the simple pleasure of good music, good company and a good time.

For all the things Craig enjoyed throughout his life, however, few roles meant more to him than being "Papa." When he first learned that he was going to become a grandfather, he already knew exactly what he wanted to be called. Papa adored his grandchildren, Ainsley and Emmett, and the love he had for them brought enormous joy to his life.

Craig is survived by his two daughters, Stephanie B. Wood and husband, George, of Concord, and Stacey Burcham of Davidson; his beloved grandchildren, Ainsley and Emmett Wood; along with extended family members, former colleagues, golfing buddies, friends, and countless others who were fortunate enough to experience Craig's larger-than-life personality.

Even at the end of his life, Craig found a way to give to others. Through organ and tissue donation, his final act became one of generosity and hope, allowing his life to make a difference beyond his own.

Craig was quite clear with his family that he did not want his passing remembered only with sadness. He wanted people together. He wanted stories. He wanted music. He wanted laughter. He wanted somebody to put on some beach music and Otis Redding, raise a beer, and remember the good times.

So that is exactly how Craig should be remembered.

Not simply for the years he lived, but for the laughter he created, the friendships he made, the rounds of golf he played, the music he loved, the stories he left behind, and the two little people who were lucky enough to call him Papa.