William Craig Cleveland

Gulfport -- William Craig Cleveland, age 62, died on Sunday of natural causes. A graduate of Gulfport East High School, Craig attended Tulane University and the Chapman College World Campus Afloat before graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi. He then pursued graduate studies in English at Duke University. Craig moved to New York where he worked for the Maritime Association of the Port of New York. From his vantage point at the tip of Manhattan, he kept track of the comings and goings of oceangoing vessels for the official record of ship traffic in the harbor and arranged for ladder sides for harbor pilots stationed at Sandy Hook, NJ. Craig returned to Gulfport to care for his aging parents, Dr. and Mrs. C. Hal Cleveland, who are now deceased. Survivors include three brothers and their wives: Dr. Crawford (Phyllis) Cleveland of Pensacola, Peter (Faye Carole) Cleveland of Jackson, and Gaines (Rachelle) Cleveland of Gulfport. Craig also left a niece (Dr. Katherine Gilbert) and five nephews (Crawford, Robert, William, Gaines, and Nelson Cleveland). The family will welcome visitors this Friday from 4:30-5:30 pm at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport, with a brief memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Gulfport Harrison County Library, 1708 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501. Although not affiliated with any church, Craig was a committed Christian. He had a love of family and enjoyed tennis, sailing, music, and literature. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com