Stuart Craig Churchill (’91 M.S.) died Nov. 21, 2024, in Abilene, Texas, at age 62. He was born March 5, 1962, in Bryan, Texas, and married Anita Killough in 1986.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Minter Lane Church of Christ, with family visitation from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Churchill earned a B.S. degree in elementary education (1987) from Texas A&M University, a B.B.S. (1989) from the Institute for Christian Studies, an M.S. in biblical and related studies (1991) and M.Div. (1992) from ACU, and an M.L.S. degree (1994) from The University of Texas at Austin.
He began work at ACU in 1992, serving for more than 30 years as the university’s first and only dedicated theological librarian, and he taught courses in the Graduate School of Theology. He was the only librarian in Abilene Christian history to serve as Faculty Senate chair (2007-08).
“Craig Churchill was, in so many ways, an ideal colleague. He did excellent work, he celebrated others’ successes and he looked for ways to raise the quality of the entire library, not just his area,” said Dr. James Wiser, ACU associate professor and dean of library services and educational technology. “Nine times out of 10, when I look to see if a theology or religious studies book referenced by a speaker is in our collection, it is already there – because he had acquired it. He was the best collection development librarian I’ve ever known. The Brown Library has one of America’s finest theology collections, and it’s almost all because of him.”
He preached at many small Texas congregations over the years, including Churches of Christ in Tye, Cottonwood and De Leon.
“Craig was our college’s theological librarian – ever helpful and deeply knowledgeable – as well as an instructor for the Graduate School of Theology,” said Dr. Ken Cukrowski (’84), associate professor of New Testament and dean of the College of Biblical Studies. “Much more than those roles, Craig also had a big heart for small churches, preaching regularly for them. A Matthew 25 kind of Christian, Craig ministered in prisons and opened his house to the poor, regularly mentoring folks who needed a hand up. He leaves a legacy of deep faith, a pure heart and a passion for the lowly that models the heart of Christ. We will miss his friendship, his encyclopedic knowledge of and enthusiasm for Texas sports, his warm sense of humor, and his ever-present kindness.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Churchill and Sue (Godwin) Churchill. Among survivors are Anita, his wife of 38 years; children Jon Churchill (’14) of Midland, Texas, James Churchill (’16) of Abilene, and Laura Churchill of Paris, France; a granddaughter, Scarlett Churchill; and a brother, Chet Churchill of Runnemede, New Jersey.
— Ron Hadfield
Dec. 2, 2024