Craig was born on June 25, 1968, in Traverse City, the son of Thurman and Joyce (Burley) McCarty.

He was a resident of Mancelona most of his life and graduated from Mancelona High School in 1986. He received an engineering degree from Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City.

He was employed by Northern Stainless Fabricating in Traverse City, was an avid Detroit Piston fan, enjoyed NASCAR with his favorite driver being Tony Stewart #20, playing basketball, playing bass guitar and singing in his rock' n roll band "Fortress," and spent many hours driving around while listening to his favorite music.

He is survived by a son, Drew Scott McCarty of Mancelona, a daughter, Brie Machelle McCarty of Traverse City, his children's mother, Cindy Goodale of Traverse City, his parents, Thurman and Joyce McCarty of Mancelona, a brother, Ed (Cathy) McCarty of Mancelona, a sister, Lori Hines of East Jordan, four nephews and one niece; Steven McCarty of Denver, James McCarty of Kalkaska and Ryan McCarty of Mancelona, Michael and Kayla Hines of East Jordan, one great nephew, Jaden McCarty and one great niece, Katelynn McCarty, aunts and uncles; Roger (Joan) Burley, Emmett (Judy) Burley, Beverly McCarty, Andy McCarty, and Jewel Hughey and many special cousins and friends.

A celebration of Craig's life took place on Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, at 11 a.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Yousef "Yogi" Jabara officiated. Visitation took place on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, from 2 until 8 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Interment took place in Fairview Cemetery in Mancelona. Memorial contributions may be made to the McCarty Children Fund, c/o National City Bank, PO Box 649, Mancelona, Mich., 49659.