Gene Craig Chaudoin
Gene Craig Chaudoin, 71 of League City passed peacefully surrounded by family December 17, 2020. He was born on May 23, 1949 in Summersville, Kentucky, son of Harold and Betty Chaudoin. He grew up stripping tobacco on his family’s farm and loved driving the tractor at a young age. He graduated from Greensburg High School in 1967, attended the University of Kentucky and enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1968 receiving an honorable discharge in 1972.
In his early career after the military, Craig worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance as a sales representative. He was named the Number One Sales Manager in Texas and a Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table in 1974.
For almost 45 years, Craig, the “car guy” became known as “Craig the Dealbeater” working for Red McCombs, Charlie Thomas, and Bruton Smith. His dedication and passion for not only his customers, but his employees were always on the forefront of each day. His love for life and positivity will leave a legacy for many that have crossed his path. He never met a stranger and loved to talk.
He and his mom were avid UK basketball fans, but he became a huge supporter of Texas A&M in 2010. An avid golfer, Craig was a member of numerous Country Clubs, supported many charitable golf tournaments, and attended the Masters in Augusta twice. Sundays were filled with golf, NASCAR and NHRA where he forged many friendships that lasted a lifetime. He could recite so many legendary country songs, always asking, “do you know who this is” because he definitely did.
Craig celebrated family at every opportunity, cherishing each moment. He is survived by his wife, Vanessa, children Matthew and Victoria Tilley, sister, Rhonda and husband, Dave Callaway of Fernandina Beach, Florida, brother-in-law, Chip and wife, Cindy Klyng of Cypress, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life will be held January 14, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 18220 Upper Bay Drive in Nassau Bay, Texas. Livestream of service may be accessed via: https://gdlc.online.church/ Interment will be at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Houston, Texas at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Grace Lutheran Church 925 West Loop 304 Crockett, TX 75835 memo: Craig Chaudoin or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church memo: Endowment Fund
I always enjoyed listening to your stories on my store visits.
You will be missed 🥲
Rest In Peace Mr. Chaudoin 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
To the Chadoin Family My Name Is Bill Russel ,
I am Truly Sorry For Your Loss 🙏🏾 Craig Was A One Very Special Guy, He Worked Hard ,Was Friendly To Everyone And Always Showed Compassion When Someone Needed It . He Was My Long Time Co-Worker And My Friend. We Shared The TITLE Of CAR LEGEND We Debated Often On Who Was The GREATEST.
Craig The Legend Will Be Missed But Not Forgotten
Again Sorry For Your Loss .Your Family And Love zones Are In My Families Prayers
Horrible loss. Craig was one of a kind in many ways. Always a line for every situation, one helluva salesman, loved to talk and always loved by many. His loss felt far and wide but his memories will last us forever! God Speed…we’ll play an E9 some day down the road…RIP buddy.
Unforgettable personality , likable in every way , not to mention one hell of a car guy and an even better human being .
One of my first bosses. Got to spend some time with you last year in Cali at Ford meeting. Always made me laugh and to this day I still call you the “Michael Jordan” of the car business. I have your cell phone under the name Michael Jordan in my phone. You will be missed Craig. You are truly one of a kind my friend.
Prayers to Vanessa and family during this time.
The Deal Beater was without a doubt a legend in the car business, but an even greater all-around guy. He was always welcoming to everyone, cared deeply about those in his circle, and wildly entertaining. My condolences to the family and everyone who’s life he touched. God bless and Rest In Peace.
Had the Pleasure of Working side by side for more than 15 years and will miss all the Great Stories, My Heart goes out to the Chaudoin Family, Craig will be missed by many and has changed so many lives including Mine as Well. Thank You for Your Inspiration. Your Legacy in the Car World Will Never Be Forgotten.
My Condolences to the family. I didn’t know Craig that long, but he taught me a lot and rescued me when I took over a pre owned department that had so many internal issues. He mentored me and taught me how to manage right. Being Married to someone from Kentucky I understood where he was coming from and how hard he worked to get where he was today. I will miss him and his Kentucky accent.
Are prayers are with the family
I have many great memories with Craig
Harley rides in Dallas and all over Clearlake
Lots of late night at Charlie Thomas Ford selling cars
Craig was one of a kind will miss you my friend
Ray Musgrove
I Just got word of this devastating news! I haven’t even known Craig Long but he sold me an Expedition- a few weeks later he sold my husband a truck and a few weeks after that I sent a friend of mine to him to sell her a car! What a great man! He made me Feel like I had known him all my life! I even brought my parents to meet him! 😜 I barely knew him a year but in that short time I know how much he loved his wife and family! His family was important to him and that was made evident! What a sad loss! I’m Just so very sorry!!
Craig the Dealbeater was a legend: a loving husband who told fabulous stories about his beautiful wife, a proud father who bragged about his kids Matthew and Victoria, and a great friend who would literally give the shirt off of his back if you needed it. I will truly miss Craig and his stories. Prayers to the family and his car family at Baytown. You all are in my thoughts.
Words fall short when it comes to Craig…Had the joy to work with Craig for a number of years…The stories oh yeah…humorous and funny man…with intelligence and a great memory to go with it and leaving us with some great memories…Always ready to help his people anytime…A good guy who will be missed by all who had the opportunity to meet, know and to work with Craig…Thank you for everything…You will be missed!
I have met many car guys in my lifetime, but NONE who I enjoyed more then Craig. I 1st met Craig over 40 years ago when I went from manufacturer to retail. NO-ONE gave me a better retail education then the “ Car Guy”. I considered Craig a fellow employee but more importantly, a good friend. I will miss his unique way of communicating this crazy auto business in a fun way. Rest in Piece, I will miss you!
Bob and Diann Zweig
I have known Craig for many years. I enjoyed his no nonsense approach usually delivered with some humor and brutal honesty. When he was done talking, and that could be a while, he would just hang up. He was a true leader of his team and respected by his pears. He is missed and will continue to be a loss to many, myself included. RIP friend and teammate. May God wrap you in his arms.
“When I’m on I’m on” I remember those words.
Thanks for all the great conversations and knowledge that you shared with me.
Thanks for believe in me and give me the opportunity.
Such a wonderful man. Truly someone different.
When I learned of his passing, I was taken back to my first day as one of his associates. He took the time out of his day to show me his dealership and share his wisdom in the industry.
That is something I will always keep with me, that one special moment.
When I learned of his passing, I was taken back to this day and thinking back on him today, I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for everyone he’s encountered.
Until we meet again, Mr Craig… Please watch over Mrs. Vanessa and your children for us.
Until we meet again.
This is very devastating news to me. I am so sorry for the Chaudoin family’s loss. Greg the Deal Beater took me with him from Orange Ford in Orange Texas to Champion Ford in Houston. This was in 2006. He was always a generous, happy and caring man. I have been trying to reach him for years. Craig you will always be remembered as a fair funny and generous guy. Once again sorry for your loss. I know this is late but I didn’t know. Wow.
Craig, you said you were The Michael Jordan of the car business at Charlie Thomas Ford. You were a heck of a director. Rest in peace.
SEVE