KING WHITE RIVER King White River 1999 Dr. Robert Craig is joined on the stage by his daughter, Mary Craig Story, Friday night. Ms. Story was Miss Arkansas 1966. Photo by Julie M. Fidler Craig family adds to crown collection Retired dentist, father of former Miss Arkansas named King White River

By Julie M. Fidler, Assistant Managing Editor
A Batesville native and retired dentist was chosen as King White River 1999 Friday night during the White River Water Carnival Miss White River Pageant talent competition.
Dr. Robert A. "Lit" Craig is the new King White River.
Craig was born in Batesville on July 18, 1922.
According to Wanette Baker, who announced that Craig had been chosen as King White River, Craig has spent many hours on the White River and its tributaries.
After graduating from Batesville High School in 1940, he attended Arkansas College for two years. His education was interrupted while serving three years in the U.S. Army during World War II. He finished his education at Arkansas College and entered Washington University School of Dentistry from which he graduated in 1951.
He and his wife, Patsy, moved their family to El Dorado where he practiced dentistry for a year.
He returned home to Batesville in 1952 where he began a dental career that lasted 42 years. "He worked hard to improve the dental health and enhance the smiles of many people through out this area until 1994," said Baker.
In his retirement, Craig has devoted his time to the hobbies he has enjoyed most - fishing, hunting and tree farming. One of his greatest pleasures has been sharing his love of fishing with his grandsons. Pursuing his hobby of tree farming resulted in his being named Arkansas Tree Farmer of the Year in 1971.
Craig is a former president of Batesville Rotary Club and served as a Miss White River Pageant gate tender for many years. He is active in First United Methodist Church.
The Craigs have also been active in Batesville business and volunteer endeavors.
The couple has four daughters. Their granddaughter, Jennifer Jones Hirsch, was Miss Batesville 1994. Their daughter, Mary Craig Story, was the only Miss Batesville to become Miss Arkansas, in 1966.
Ms. Story accompanied her father to the White River Stadium stage as he was recognized as the new King White River.