Craig Stine

Leslie Craig Stine, 62 years old, lived in Rincon, Georgia with his wife Yang Stine of 30 years. Craig passed peacefully on the morning of April 6, 2026 in his home.

Craig Stine was born on July 17, 1963, in Kearney, Nebraska. He spent his early years living in Scotia, North Loup, Kearney, and Grand Island, Nebraska. Many of his childhood summers were spent in North Loup, where he worked alongside his grandfather, Eldon, creating lasting memories and learning the value of hard work and family.

Craig graduated from Grand Island High School in 1981. During his time there, he was actively involved in athletics, competing in both football and track and field.

Shortly after graduation, Craig enlisted in the United States Army in 1981 and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. Craig has been decorated with multiple medals during his time in the U.S. Army. But during one of his multiple deployments, Craig was decorated with the Army Commendation medal for meritorious service while engaged in ground combat against hostile Iraqi forces during Operation Desert Storm. Following his service, he returned home and worked alongside his father, Ray, in the family siding business. Over the years, Craig also worked as a truck driver. His dedication to the profession eventually led him overseas, where he contracted with the U.S. Army as a civilian truck driver in Iraq.

Craig had a deep love for football and professional wrestling, but above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Craig was preceded in death by his fathers, Ray Stine and Dann Wagner, and his grandparents, Eldon and Bernice Sintek and his best friend Shadow.

He is survived by his wife, Yang Stine of Rincon, Georgia; his mother, Sonja Wagner of Burwell, Nebraska; his siblings, Doug Stine of Burwell, Nebraska, and Kim (Jesse Sanchez) Stine of Burwell, Nebraska; and his children, Ben (Rachael) Appleby of Carrollton, Georgia, Jessica (Geoff) Bokish of Arcadia, Nebraska, Chelsea (Stephen) Tubman of Coral Springs, Florida, and Kandice (Morgan) Proctor of Holly Springs, North Carolina and stepchildren Susan Cerrillo and husband John Cerrillo of Wharton, Texas, Daniel Mitchell and wife Kim Torres of Richmond, Texas, and James Burton III and wife Rosal Boyd-Robertson of Jesup, Georgia.

He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Appleby of Carrollton, Georgia; Abigail, Amara, Cole, and Jamison Bokish of Arcadia, Nebraska; and Joel and Magnolia Proctor of Holly Springs, North Carolina and step-grandchildren Alyssa, McKayla and John Cerrillo Jr of Wharton, Texas. Joy and Grace Boyd-Robertson.

Craig never met a stranger, he greeted everyone with warmth and kindness and he had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Craig will be remembered for his hard working spirit, his love for sports, and the deep love he had for his family.

Visitation: 12 - 2 pm Friday, April 10, 2026 in the funeral home with military honors following.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel  (912) 754-6421