Robert Lee Kraker, Jr. passed away September 18, 2023 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi, at the age of 75. Beloved by his family, he was surrounded by them during his final days here and as he drew his last breaths.
Lee was born in Starkville, Mississippi, on New Year’s Day in 1948 to Marian Louise Denson Kraker and Robert Lee “Bob” Kraker, Sr. who both preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Dr. L.L. Denson and Julia Ryan Denson; and his paternal grandparents, Peter Michael Kraker, Nellie Davidson Kraker, and step-grandmother Lorraine Summers Kraker.
Lee graduated from Starkville High School in 1966 and then served in the Army National Guard Reserve. Later, he attended Mississippi State University where he studied Forestry and Industrial Education. After his time at MSU, he worked for and eventually retired from BellSouth Telecommunications. It was here (then known as South Central Bell) that he met his wife, Micki. Together, they loved and raised two children: Mary Grace and Rob.
An avid outdoorsman in his younger years, Lee liked to spend his free time target practicing, hunting and fishing with his children, brother Mike, and nephew Slade. He was known for his sense of humor and storytelling ability. His stories often focused on shenanigans from his younger years which were many. He also derived great joy from intentionally embarrassing his family in public, but they couldn’t stay upset with him for long. He was a wonderful father and loved them dearly.
Most importantly, Lee was a devoted Christian man. To know him was to know his faith. He was actively involved for many years at Immanuel Baptist Church and later Woodland Baptist Church in Columbus, Mississippi. During his time at these churches he served in various roles including deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. He enjoyed reading his Bible most mornings. It was not uncommon to find his Bible on the kitchen table most of the time since he liked to read it while he ate his breakfast. Southern Gospel music was his favorite. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a friend and mentor to many. He was also a fine Christian example and devout follower of Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cynthia “Micki” Murphy Kraker; daughter, Mary Grace Kraker Gholston and her husband, John; granddaughter, Cecelia Grace “CeCe” Gholston; and son, Robert Lee “Rob” Kraker, III. Also surviving him are his brother Michael “Mike” Denson Kraker (Gayle); nephew, Jeremy “Slade” Kraker (Rebecca); niece, Amanda Kraker Everett (Michael); niece, Danielle Kraker Heitzmann (Neil); and many great-nieces and nephews: Julian, Anni, Alice, and James Kraker; Brody and Archer Jones; and Monti and Mark Heitzmann.
Visitation will be held September 21, 2023 at 1:00 at Woodland Baptist Church in Columbus, Mississippi, with the funeral service immediately following at 2:00. Burial will take place at Memorial Garden Park in Starkville, Mississippi.
