Craig Preuit
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Craig Preuit, a 58-year-old Navy Sailor who served honorably as a Chief Petty Officer E7 in the Gulf War and other conflicts over his 20-year career in the Navy. Craig was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
Born on October 2, 1964, in Houston, Texas, Craig grew up with his parents Rodney and Sandra and his sisters Lori, Amy, Emily, and Karen. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Rodney L. Preuit Sr. & Esther Preuit and Robert Wyche and Christine Wyche (Mema); Uncles: William “Bill” Hausinger Jr. and Richard Hughlett.
Craig was a dedicated Navy Sailor who served his country with honor and courage. He spent most of his career on nuclear submarines and was proud of that achievement. Craig’s bravery and commitment to his fellow sailors and countrymen was second to none.
Craig was a valiant Navy sailor who fought a seven-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained a true hero until the end. His unwavering spirit, determination and strength inspired those around him, and his bravery and dedication to his family and country while he fought his last great battle will never be forgotten.
Craig is survived by his wife of 15 years, Marie Reyna Preuit, whom he met in 1987 and reconnected with in November of 2007, and married 8 months later, on July 19, 2008. He is also survived by his daughter Carli Elia Preuit, his stepsons Chris Estrello, Josh Smardo, and Mitch Smardo, and their wives Lea Estrello, Stephanie Smardo, and Abbey Kowis, respectively. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren Angel Cervantes, Kylie Estrello, and Olivia Estrello, and his step-grandson Luke Smardo. Craig has 10 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews.
Craig will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was a kind, generous and witty man who put others before himself. He loved the wind in his hair on his motorcycle and had a passion and talent for carpentry and building custom pieces of furniture. Craig’s legacy will live on through the memories he made, the heirloom furniture he created, and those who knew and loved him.
Graveside military honors ceremony for Craig will be held at: Houston National Cemetery, located at: 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, on August 3rd, 2023 at 10:30am. Please arrive no later than 10:15am.
Chief, the Heavenly Mess just got stronger with your arrival!
You fought a brave fight and now you’re free!
Rest In Paradise, Chief!
NCCS (SW) Kenny G. Smith
USN, Ret.
“Fair winds and following seas”
I meet Craig, Preuit while working at my company has a CNA. Since my 1st day I knew he was a great men. He was always nice, funny on his own way, and he always was trying to make you feel good. We watched a lot of movies while I was taking care of him, I will never forget that!! May God bless his family!
Rest in peace, craig, you are a true friend and brother and there’s an old saying in the military old soldiers never die they just fade away and Craig you will be missed.
Craig was like a brother to me. We were stationed onboard the Mighty Warship USS Houston SSN-713. My daughter babysat Carli and every person in my family had at least one refreshing beverage with him. After I transferred off the boat, our paths continued to cross. We drank beer in Guam, we drank beer in Hawaii, honestly we just drank beer. Everyone knew and that Craig was capable of talking the ear off of a billy goat. I remember when Craig and Marie informed Cookie and I that he had ALS. We prayed while Craig fought and nobody and I do mean nobody fought harder. The determination and resiliency displayed during his 7 year battle with ALS was noticed by all.
We will “double up” on our next round of cold beers. “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” ICCS(SS) W.M. Perry USN (Ret)
Rest in peace, my friend and hero.
Please accept our sincere condolences, you and your family will be in our prayers.
Tommy and Cindy Gates
You will be missed my friend, you are finally home! Peace and prayers to your family!
Dearest, sweetest brother, you are my hero and you were a warrior, both for our country and in your ALS battle. You did it your way, as you always have. You have my utmost respect and admiration for who you are and how you led your life. I’m blessed to be your sister and I could never be prouder of you. You were one of my lifelong best friends and someone I could always count on. I hope you rest easy and revel in the glory of our Lord. Thank God you are free of ALS. I will love you & miss you forever. ♥️♥️♥️
True American Hero!
Gone too soon we shared the best times. You will be greatly missed.
Craig- Nothing compares to you!
Our deepest condolences to the Pruitt family. We did not know of his passing until today. Your family will be in our prayers in the days ahead
Blessings,
Mary Hughlett and family
I am very sorry to hear of Craig’s passing. May the Lord’s peace and comfort be with the Pruitt family during this time. My thoughts and prayers will be with this family.
I sadly just learned of your passing today. I could tell you were very much loved by Marie. You will be missed.