Virgil R. Craft, a graduate of Wise High School, died Feb. 22, 1999 at Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Wise.  Virgil was a life long resident of Wise.  During the WW II years (not drafted-asthma) he worked at Norton Floral Company and in 1950 began working at Virginia Iron Coal and Coke Co, retired at age 65.  He was very active in his church, the Church of God, served as Sunday School Superintendent and the church board, a charter member and 35 year secretary with 50 years of active service in the Wise Kiwanis Club.  He was a 'gadfly' where the natural resources of his native mountains were concerned and fought 'Clear Cutting' and the resulting silting of trout streams (which destroyed all native trout) with all his energy.  He was an icon for the disabled.  He lost both legs in an industrial accident on Aug. 10, 1951 but never let his handicap hold him back.  He hunted and fished and enjoyed nature.  He was known as the 'chewing gum man' by all the children at his church.  Funeral services were held in his church and interment was in the Wise Cemetery.  Survived by his wife of 55 years Lillian Norman Craft, son, Curtis N. Craft (Barbara) and grandson Christopher H. Craft.