George O. Craft

On 9 February 2019, our Lord in heaven, summoned home a bright soul, Mr. George Odis Craft, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.

He was 92 years young and regarded as a friendly, kind considerate child of God and gentle soul.

George O. Craft was born 26 August 1926 to the late George and Mary Craft in Anderson, South Carolina. During his formative years he attended school in Anderson, until he felt he had matured sufficiently to enlist in the United States Navy at the ripe age of 16. On his way to achieving a successful and rewarding career, he served honorably aboard several ships, participated in numerous deployments and made countless personal sacrifices to service, in defense of our nation and to support his family and maintain their quality of life.

Awarded, Navy Achievement Medal w/ Valor; Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal for several naval engagements. After 28 years of naval service he transferred to USN Fleet Reserve. Dissatisfied with relaxing at home in his easy chair, he continued to serve our country as a DOD employee, where he served another 10 years of devoted and faithful service.

All who knew Mr. C, as he was affectionately referred, was acutely aware of his skills is the kitchen as a culinary artist and love of preparing traditional Southern and various Multi-Cultural cuisine, after all, he was a Navy trained Chef. All whom had the pleasure of knowing him was left with an appreciation of his impeccable style of dress and the attention to detail he had for his home, “Hearts & Diamonds”. He also shared a love of his fruitful garden, which he and his beautiful wife attended to regularly.

Some of his most endearing qualities was his sense of humor, passion for life and his affectionate love of family. His humble and accepting nature afforded him the blessing of having many loyal friends, who held him in high esteem.

After settling in Portsmouth, Va. he and Alma became active members of Mount Calvary Baptist Church until her passing and George’s inability to attend service due to his debilitating condition and mobility.

George O. Craft was married to his loving wife, Alma Strickland Craft for 46 blissful years until her untimely passing. To this union they were blessed with six children. He is survived by three Daughters: Cynthia B. & husband Samuel E. Fuller; Georgette Craft and Tamara L. Craft; two Sons: George O. Craft Jr & wife Courtney and Rodney E. Craft; Sisters: Ruth Craft and Camilla Richie; eleven grand-children; eight great grand-children and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless cohorts. He is predeceased by his Wife: Alma Strickland Craft; Daughter: Shari M. Craft; Sisters: Edna M. Banks; Williease Picken and Ruby L Stewart.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 18, 2019, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Corprew Funeral Home, 1822 Portsmouth Blvd., Portsmouth, VA  23704.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 11 am at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 901 Thomas Circle, Portsmouth, VA  23704.  Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA  23502.