Mark Carter Craddock

Our community sadly mourns the loss of Mr. Mark Craddock who passed away after a brief illness on June 1, 2023. A native of Marietta, Georgia, Mark was born January 6, 1959, graduated Marietta High School (1977) and continued his passion for learning and the arts at Jacksonville State University (1981) with degrees in Music and English, and continued studies at Georgia State University, Sebilius Academy in Finland, and countless other classes across the globe. An avid traveler and supporter of international exchange programs, Mark touched countless lives across the world through his love of music, arts, and language, speaking seven languages fluently with proficiency in six others. His contributions of time, art, music and teachings knew no bounds. He taught in the Marietta public school system from 1984-1992. A legendary member of the Marist Fine Arts Department, Mark taught at Marist School in Atlanta for over 30 years. As band director he directed the various school bands and ensembles, taught AP Music Theory, and was a critical participant in over 100 Marist theater productions leaving an indelible mark across the Marist community domestically and abroad. Mark was an amazingly talented needlepoint artist and teacher who studied under the great master instructors and later developed 15 technique classes that he taught across the U.S. and Europe. Active in his Catholic faith, Mark played music at masses across Atlanta and his parishes of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church and Cathedral of Christ The King. Through beautiful music, tireless support of the arts, and irreplaceable relationships, Mark transcended borders. He bridged the gap between different traditions and fostered a sense of unity across diverse backgrounds. He will forever be remembered as an inspiring educator, a gifted musician, and a dedicated mentor. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the music he brought to life. Mark is preceded in life by his parents, Scott and Ann Craddock, and sister, Cathy Jane Craddock. He is survived by his sister, Judith Craddock Murphy; brother, Michael Todd Craddock; Sister-in-Law, Mary Ann Craddock; and nephews Paul Douglas Murphy (wife, Shauna Murphy), Noah Scott Craddock, Zachary Paul Murphy, and Garrett Archer Murphy; and his numerous official and unofficial Godchildren, and former students, whom he loved dearly. Funeral services will take place at Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta on Friday June 9, 2023, at 10am with a reception to follow in Kenny Hall. A livestream of the service will be provided and recorded by Cathedral of Christ the King. In lieu of flowers, Mark requested donations be directed to Marist School. Donations will be used to honor Mark Craddock’s legacy and service to the school by providing band student scholarships and other support for the band program. Checks may be made out to “Marist School” and mailed to 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. Gifts may also be made online at marist.com. Please write “Mark Craddock legacy donation” in the memo line or comments section of your gift.