Obituary of Craig Aaron Doty

Craig Aaron Doty, age 48, of St Petersburg, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 10, 2023. He fought a brave battle with Glioblastoma for 10 months, but Craig remained very positive throughout. He was born in Panama City, FL, and spent the first 5 1/2 years following his Dad, who served in the Navy, and his Mom, traveling before they settled in St. Petersburg in 1980. Craig played baseball for Northeast Little League for 10 years as both a pitcher and third baseman, as well as playing football for the Tampa Bay Bandits. He was raised near the water, enjoying fishing with his own canoe, boating, and any other activity on the water. At Northeast High School, he continued to play football as an all-around player; wherever his team needed help, they could count on Craig to fill the position. Craig loved to hunt – he was an outdoor kid and that continued into his adult years.

Craig met his future wife, Dana, at the Sandbar at Weeden Island. They had a beautiful son together, Brycen, who will miss his father dearly. The father and son duo spent time together fishing and boating. Craig had dreams of teaching Brycen how to hunt, but never was able to fulfill this wish. Brycen inherited his love of baseball from his father, and his father’s presence will be missed during baseball season. Craig attended as many games as possible last season. They also enjoyed camping in a trailer, where they would explore the woods, fish in the boat, go scalloping, and spend time together. Their “boy time” together was impactful on Brycen, and the family is grateful for the time they had together.

Craig was the owner of Ken’s Lawn Care for almost 20 years. He did great work for his clients, and they missed both him and his work ethic when he was unable to continue due to his illness. During his illness, he discovered a love of orchids, and these were calming to him during difficult times.

Craig was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother and his paternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife Dana and son Bryson, of St. Petersburg; his parents Kenneth and Susan (Wells) Doty of St. Petersburg; and his two brothers, Todd and Richard, also of St. Petersburg. He will be missed by his extended family and friends. Craig’s best friend, Mike Brotherton, was there for him through his entire illness. Mike would take Craig on outings when possible. He would visit with Craig during the day and evening, and he was present when Craig passed away.

Craig loved his family and had a Family Sunday Dinner so everyone could be together. Family and friends were important to him, and he was always for his mother when she needed him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Craig’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Glioblastoma Foundation.

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