William Craig Overstreet

William Craig Overstreet, 78, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026. He was born on July 7, 1948, in Waynesboro, Mississippi. A man of education, service, curiosity, and many interests, Craig earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in May 1971. He continued his education at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, earning a Master of Public Administration in December 1994. Throughout his career, Craig served in many capacities. He spent 16 years as a high school teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School before retiring from the school system. He also worked for the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection and served the federal government as an environmental scientist, including assignments at Eglin Air Force Base, in Heidleburg, Germany, and at McDill Army Base. Craig proudly dedicated 37 years to the Air Force Reserve, ultimately retiring from Tyndall Air Force Base as a Chief Master Sergeant. He also proudly served on active duty during Desert Storm. Outside of his professional life, Craig was a tennis professional and an avid runner. He loved to travel and enjoyed scuba diving, spending time at the beach, fishing, exploring the mountains, and RVing. He had a passion for collecting, including silver dollars, CDs, DVDs, and firearms. Known by those who loved him as someone who was always preparing for the future, Craig was what many would call a “prepper.” Craig was a man of curiosity and imagination. He held a strong belief in UFOs and was in the process of writing a book about alien travel, a reflection of his lifelong fascination with exploring the possibilities beyond what is known. One of Craig’s greatest loves was his animals. He held a special place in his heart for his beloved yellow Labrador, Jezebel, and adored his current pups, Smoky, Bandit, and Barney. He especially enjoyed taking his dogs for rides in his beloved 1998 Jeep “Bullet”, a familiar part of many of their adventures together. His love and compassion for animals were evident to everyone who knew him. Craig is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Loreen “Lori” Overstreet; his stepchildren, Gwendolyn Upshaw (Ray) and James Michael Williams; and his step-grandchildren, Colby Thomas (Danielle), and Caley Thomas, along with other family members, friends, and loved ones who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Junior Overstreet and Eunice Cooley Overstreet; his brother, Toney Allen Overstreet; and his sister, Gina Johnson. Craig lived a life marked by service, curiosity, adventure, and an appreciation for the many things that made life interesting. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family and country, his adventurous spirit, his love of animals, and his truly one-of-a-kind personality. A Celebration of Life will be September 9th, 2026, at 4:30 pm at the Overstreet home, 437 River Rd, Carrabelle, FL 32322. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in William’s memory to the Franklin County Humane Society at www.forgottenpets.org/donate.

William Craig Overstreet

July 7, 1948 - August 31, 2026