Lawrence Douglas Criner, 85, of Blacksburg, died May 19, 2021, at LewisGale Medical Center, Salem.
He was born on Friday, Sept. 6, 1935, to the late Ernest Brown and Marine Criner.
Doug worked and retired from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, as an Acid Vessel Repairman after 33 years of service. Retirement wasn’t for him; he went to work part time at Wade’s on North Main Street, Blacksburg.
He loved Virginia Tech Hokies football. He enjoyed NASCAR (go #2 Brad Keslowski). He loved working in his yard and took pride in its beauty, especially the rose bush he planted in front of the picture window.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doraine Martin (Phil); brothers Donald Criner and Wallace “Crow” Criner (Jo Ann); and special brothers-in-law, Sammy, Mac and Earl.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, who he was totally devoted to, Katie Criner; his only child, Diane Matusevich (Eric); a sister and brother-in-law, Dolphine Lowe (Clinton); sisters-in-law, Fern Echols, Lo Fisher, and Brenda Allen (Sayford), who were sisters in his heart; grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Tracy Shelton (Andy Dandy) and Wayne Shelton (Brittany); special nephews Reggie Caldwel, Timmy Shupe, and Cory D.; a special niece, Cathy Martin; a special brother-in-law, Sayford Allen and Coy Shupe (Terry); and a host of other nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted on Monday, May 24, 2021, in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel, with Randy Jarrells officiating. Interment followed in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home.
