Craig was born on October 9, 1962, in Jersey City, N.J. as the 9th child of ten from the union of William David and Esther Sims-Mayer.

Craig lived nearly the first nine years of his life in Jersey City before the family relocated to the North Westside of Newark, N.J. He completed elementary and high school in Newark graduating from Alexander Street and Vailsburg High Schools.  He played football in the Newark City High School League for Vailsburg and continued his joy for football at the college level at Delaware State University, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

Upon graduating from Delaware State University in 1983, Craig landed employment with Dun and Bradstreet Corporation (D&B). During his employment with D&B, Craig obtained a master’s degree in finance and was elevated to Director of Finance of its Credit Services Division. In 2019, he retired from D&B in this capacity. 

Craig married Fatima Saunders in July 1992. Their union produced two lovely children Kendall and Kenya. Craig and Fatima purchased a home in Plainfield, N.J., where their union and family matured together.

After college, Craig continued the fitness path through participation in local basketball games and distance running. In giving to his community and family, he volunteered time coaching his son, great nephews and others in little league baseball. Prior to his battle with cancer, he also volunteered during the Newark Westward holiday season food and toy give away spearheaded by the Westward’s Community Warrior, Robert Kevin Waters.

Craig, affectionately known as Chief to many, transitioned July 2, 2023, at JFK Hospital in Edison, N.J. with family members at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents William David and Esther Sims-Mayer. His brothers David and Douglas, and sisters Delores Mayer-Roberts and Vicki, niece Jamila Mayer, and nephew Steven Mayer.

He is survived by his beautiful wife Fatima, lovely children Ebony, Kendall and Kenya, siblings Pricilla Aiken, Sharon Smith, Sandra Patterson, Joann, Michael, Steven, and a many loving nieces and nephews located in several states along the east coast.

Allow me to mention that Craig battled his illness with the strength of the unconditional love of his wife and children, and Grace of The Almighty for just over four (4) years. He is at peace now, and we all, family and friends, pray his peace is eternally covered by The Almighty’s Grace.