Michael Craig Presnell went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on October 8, 2024, in Boone, North Carolina. Survived by his loving wife, Lynn; lovingly remembered by his step-mother, Donna Presnell (mom ½), his step-sister, Wendy Robbins, and step-brothers, Chris Robbins and Mark Robbins, his mother-in-law, Joanne Cresson, his brother-in-law, Bruce and wife Laura, his two nephews, Collin and Patrick and their families, and his many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members.

Craig was born in Boone, North Carolina on November 3, 1972 to Barbara Johnson Robbins and J.C. Presnell. He attended Valle Crucis Elementary School and graduated from Watauga High School. He spent his days skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding all over Seven Devils and Hawksnest. His love of computers began in middle school, so much so that many of his high school teachers came to him for technology support. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Appalachian State University. The university created the Outstanding Student in Computer Science Award for him and he was the first recipient. He also enjoyed managing the ticket office at Tweetsie Railroad throughout his college career.

Craig became a gifted computer engineer and software developer and was fluent in multiple computer languages. Craig was hired by Nortel Networks in Raleigh, North Carolina and worked there for 12 years. He earned the Top Talent Award for 10 consecutive years and authored 10 different patents. Craig was most proud of his patent for designing and creating the Rural 911 Emergency Call Service. Craig earned his pilot's license while working at Nortel. Even after leaving Nortel, Craig was still creating various microchip and software applications for many uses. Along with his wife, Lynn, he helped create a test preparation website for student teachers who were preparing to take the national Praxis I examination. The website was called Praxis Leap. Lynn wrote the content, Craig developed the software, and his step-sister Wendy Robbins developed the graphics.

Craig had many varied interests in life. He was an avid reader and loved all kinds of movies. He loved all things NASA and could fly the space shuttle on his simulator. He was a coin collector of both modern and ancient coins. He loved to cook, grill, and smoke. Craig loved to travel and as a young adult he visited Canada, France and England. Craig continued to travel and took Lynn to Italy and Israel. He enjoyed history and studying the Bible.

Craig married the love of his life and best friend, Joanna Lynn Cresson on October 1, 2010, 20 years after meeting for the first time. He absolutely adored his mother, Barbara and his father J.C., and stepmother, Donna (or as Craig called her - Mom ½). He loved deeply his Ashe County family consisting of Aunts, Uncles, and a multitude of cousins. Craig also loved his extended Texas family, mother-in-law, Joanne, brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Laura, and his nephews, Collin and Patrick, with his whole heart. He was a fierce and loyal friend to many. Craig adored and cherished his wife, Lynn and his kitties, Rex and Raji.

Above all, Craig loved his Lord, proudly being baptized at the age of 41 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk. He was soon ordained a deacon, served as church moderator, served on multiple committees, and helped out wherever he was needed. Craig was committed to furthering the kingdom and was very generous with his time. He especially enjoyed serving during the church dinners for the men of Hebron Colony Ministries and was deeply moved by this ministry and the men they serve.

Craig was a sweet, caring, and extraordinary man who will be missed by many, especially his wife Lynn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Mount Calvary Baptist Church at 1161 Balm Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604 or the Hebron Colony Ministries at 356 Old Turnpike Rd, Bone, NC 28607.

Graveside service will be held for family at 11:00 am at the Johnson Family Cemetery on Saturday, October 19th. Visitation will follow at Hampton Funeral Service at 3:00 pm and a celebration of Craig's life will start at 4:00 pm.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.