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In Memory of George "Whitey" Craggs

By USASA Communications, 04/04/17, 8:45AM CDT

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Washington State Soccer Legend George “Whitey” Craggs passes away at the age of 87. He was a 1981 inductee into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

From the Facebook page – Washington State Legends of Soccer

When inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, the diminutive George "Whitey" Craggs said he felt 10 feet tall. Today we mourn the passing of our little giant

Whitey passed in his sleep at his Ballard home at the age of 87. Seventy of those years were spent in Seattle, including countless hours of service to this great game and the development of this thriving soccer community. We extend our condolences to his daughter Georgia and sons Donny and Ed. He was preceded in death by daughter Patti and his dear wife of 61 years, Pearl.

Whitey, whose father, Eddie (Gaffer) Craggs, was also a hall of famer, was a longtime officer of the state senior association and officials organizations. However, tens (hundreds?) of thousands of us remember him as a referee and linesman for games of all stature, from youth to adults to college to professional. He was a national referee for 23 years. Overall, he officiated an untold number of matches over a span of nearly 40 years.

Besides being inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame at the 1981 US Soccer AGM held in Seattle, he received the Barney Kempton Award for outstanding service to state soccer and, last fall, was named one of Washington Youth Soccer 's top 50 Citizens.

He was humble, quick with a quip and a truly unique character. We invite you to share your remembrances of Whitey, and we shall pass along any news of an event celebrating his life.

Rest in peace, Whitey.