Craig L. Younce

Remembering Reverend Doctor Craig L. Younce July 6, 1955 - January 3, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Reverend Doctor Craig L. Younce, who went home to Heaven to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 3, 2025, at the age of 69. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Craig leaves a legacy of faith, ministry, love, devotion, compassion, and kindness that is cherished by all who knew him. Craig was born to the Reverend Doctor Max Younce and his wife, Marjorie Ann Horn Younce on July 6,1955, in Troy, Ohio. From a young age, he demonstrated a passion for helping others: A trait that would define his life’s journey. He met the love of his life, Terri Younce, while in middle school at Florida Christian School in Miami. Theirs was a storybook love as the two became high school sweethearts, the quintessential homecoming king and queen as varsity quarterback and cheerleader who were married shortly out of high school at the tender ages of 18 and 19 years old on December 19,1974, and went on to share a beautiful marriage of 50 years. Together, through both joyous and challenging times, they built a home based on faith in God, devotion and support for one another, as well as heartfelt love, laughter, fun, and warmth. Craig was a dedicated and loving father to his three children: his oldest daughter, Tara; his only son, Craig (endearingly called “Butch” by Craig and family), and his youngest daughter, Sara. Craig is remembered by his children for his love, strength, protection, provision, guidance, and loyalty. Craig further instilled in his children the values of faith, love, family, education, compassion, integrity, commitment, hard work, dependability, and perseverance. Being a grandpa also brought Craig immense pride and joy, and he was known affectionately as "Poppy" to his 12 grandchildren, who adored him and cherished their time spent with him. Through his vocation, Craig had a profound impact on his community in both Miami and Palm Beach, Florida. During his 40+ years of ministry as a pastor, most recently as lead pastor for Palms West Community Church and as a Christian chaplain for VITAS Healthcare, Craig demonstrated his heartfelt love for serving people of all walks of life, influencing thousands of lives through his service. Craig had a down-to-earth, compassionate, and relatable personality to which so many were drawn, and it has been said by those who knew him that you couldn’t help but like Craig from the moment you met him. Craig further pursued his love of spiritual learning by earning a PhD in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University while working full-time as a pastor. He later instructed at Palm Beach Atlantic University where all three of his children and his wife graduated with their undergraduate degrees. Craig’s life’s commitment to sharing the Gospel message of Christ’s eternal love and forgiveness through the cross along with developing fully devoted followers of Christ not only influenced his local communities but also beyond, both nationally and internationally, as his service for the Lord transformed the lives of countless individuals and their families for decades. Craig will forever be remembered in our hearts for his unconditional love, unwavering kindness, sacrificial spirit, creative and musical talent, love of sports (especially the Miami Hurricanes), superior intellect, and unique ability to make all around him feel genuinely loved and important. Craig’s favorite pastimes were vacationing with his family in places like New York City, the mountains of Tennessee, or Disney World in Orlando; taking road trips with his wife, Terri, to some of their favorite Florida spots including the Keys, Fort Myers, and even just a few miles south to Miami to reminiscence about the “good old days” while sipping a Cafe Cubano and eating an Arbetter's Hot Dog; cheering on the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Dolphins, Ohio State University, and his alma mater, Liberty University in football; spending quality time with his children and their families while supporting their endeavors and interests; reading the Bible and spending time with God in prayer; listening to his favorite worship music and a few “oldies” from the 60s and 70s too like the Beatles and the Beach Boys; walking his beloved dog, Betsy (or “Betsy Ross” as he affectionately nicknamed her); and talking and playing with his beautiful grandchildren, currently ages 3 to 16. The Reverend Doctor Craig L. Younce is survived by his beloved and cherished wife, Mrs. Teresa (Terri) Janelle Matheson Younce; his loving mother, Mrs. Marjorie Ann Horn Younce; his younger brother, Mr. Douglas Max Younce and his wife, Mrs. Sue Ann Huelsman Younce; his three adoring children: Dr. Tara Janelle Younce Smith and her husband, Mr. Jeremiah Cody Smith; Dr. Craig (Butch) William Younce and his wife, Mrs. Amy Rebecca Fritz Younce; and Dr. Sara Hope Younce Stapleton and her husband, Mr. Matthew Russell Stapleton; his twelve beautiful grandchildren: Olivia Grace Janelle Smith, Matthew Craig Younce, Alexander William Younce, Sophia Arabella Tara Smith, Elisabeth Sara Stapleton, Noah Craig William Stapleton, Lorelei (Lola) Hope Teresa Stapleton, Jonathan Steven Younce, Zachary Matthew Russell Stapleton, Abigail Terri Faith Stapleton, Violet Jean Louise Stapleton, and Daphne Annabelle Lynn Stapleton. Craig is further survived by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Louise Janelle Edwards Matheson; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Robin Lynn Matheson Johnson and her husband, Mr. David Randall Johnson; and many other extended family members, including loving in-laws, cousins, nephews, and nieces. The Reverend Doctor Younce was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Doctor Max Douglas Younce; father-in-law, Reverend William (Bill) Alexander Matheson; and younger brother, Mr. Bradley Scott Younce. A Celebration of Life Craig’s life will be celebrated at Haverhill Community Church on Thursday, January 9, 2025. An open-casket viewing will be held at the church starting at 11:30 A.M. for any who wish to visit Craig followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:30 P.M, at which the family would be honored by the presence of all who knew Craig and are able to attend. More information about a possible live stream or Zoom of the services will be shared through social media platforms in the coming days. At 2:00 P.M., following the service at the church, the family will hold a graveside burial service at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery. All who are able to attend are welcome. Craig’s family also welcomes flower donations to be sent to Palms West Funeral Home. Craig’s memory, legacy, and ministry will be carried forward through future generations by his beloved family whom he loved beyond measure. In this difficult time, Craig’s family has a peace that surpasses all understanding with the assurance that Craig is now fully healed, resting in the arms of his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in his eternal heavenly home. We know that Craig is singing once again but this time with the angels and in the presence of his Savior surrounded in glory by those who have preceded him in death. Oh, how happy Craig must be rejoicing in the presence of the One to whom he committed his life and provides the hope of eternal life to all. While we miss him dearly, Craig’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends with his spirit reflected through the lives of his children and grandchildren who look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven. We close our remembrance of Craig’s life with gratitude for his commitment to serving his Lord unwaveringly and, in turn, impacting a great many souls who have already greeted him in Heaven. The final lyrics below that Craig so often sang as a special solo or duet with Terri in their church, Arch Creek Bible Chapel, perfectly reflect his godly character and echo his own spiritual influence in God’s eternal kingdom over the course of his life. We imagine these words are what Craig may now be experiencing in Heaven: “I dreamed I went to heaven and you were there with me. We walked upon the streets of gold, beside the crystal sea. We heard the angels singing and someone called your name; We turned and saw this young man and he was smiling as he came. And he said, ‘Friend, you may not know me now’ then he said, ‘But wait; you used to teach me Sunday school when I was only eight And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start And one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart’ Then another man stood before you; he said, ‘Remember the time A missionary came to your church; his pictures made you cry; You didn’t have much money, but you gave it anyway; Jesus took the gift you gave and that’s why I’m here today.’ “One by one, they came, as far as the eye could see; Each life somehow touched by your generosity. Little things that you had done, sacrifices made, Unnoticed on the earth, in heaven now proclaimed. I know that up in heaven, you are not supposed to cry But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes. As Jesus took your hand, you stood before the Lord. He said, ‘My child, look around you; great is your reward.’ Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.” Craig…Daddy…Poppy…There’s none other like you. We feel your presence in so much around us, and we can’t wait to see you again. With love forever and forever for our “Poppy Boy - Popsicle,” Terri (Your TJ) Tara (Your Firstborn) Craig (Your “Butchie”) Sara (Your Going Partner) Livi Bugs & Sophie Sue/Sophia Maria Alex, Matthew, & Jonathan Ella Bella, Noah-Boa & Zack (Your Betsy Walking Partners), Lola, Abby, Vivi, & Daffodil & Your Betsy Ross too John 11:25b-26a: "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”