GEORGE R. "RON" CRAFT

GEORGE R. "RON" CRAFT obituary

GEORGE CRAFT Obituary

GEORGE R. "RON" CRAFT, 66

LAKELAND - George R. "Ron" Craft, 66, slipped away on January 20, 2014, of complications from: pancreatic cancer. He was a father, a grandfather, a step father and a husband to the love of his life and best friend Maud.
Ron lived his life on his terms, every day of it, while trying to always consider those who's life he touched.
He grew up on his Dad's used car lot, where he developed his love for automobiles. He graduated from LHS class of 65 and attended St. Petersburg Jr. College, but his love for cars continued to dominate his life. He left school and went to work for the a Dodge Dealer in St. Pete. With the war in Vietnam raging on, he received his notice and joined the US Army where he was decorated and proudly served in combat. He came home from the war and returned to St Pete, where he met and married his first wife, the mother of his beloved daughter Jennifer, the sunshine of his life. They moved back to Lakeland where he joined the team at Ray Durdin Chevrolet. Their lives took different directions and they ultimately reached an amicable divorce. They stayed close friends always. Ron then met his best friend, Maud, an began his journey along life's highway. They moved to Baytown, TX with her son Jon Fuchs, where he became, with Rays help and guidance and Maud by his side, owner-operator of Ron Craft Chevrolet, Inc. Ron and Maud were married on a snowy afternoon in Lake Tahoe in 1984. They bought out their partner and went on to successfully buy and operate Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Subaru, Chrysler, Plymouth and Jeep franchises along with their Chevrolet Dealership. He never lost his ties to Lakeland as he came back constantly to see his beloved daughter Jennifer, affectionately known to him as his "Peanut". With Jon pursuing a successful law career in Tallahassee and Jen married and back in Lakeland working with Hall Communications as "Jeni Taylor", on air personality and Music Director, and Mom to her dream come true and his grandson Matthew, they began to think about the next chapter of their lives together. Ron and Maud sold their highly successful business in 2000, to pursue their dream of building and living in the mountains of Whitefish, Mt. Along the way Ron never lost his love of cars. Building numerous award winning Hot Rods and Harley's. Whatever step he took, his loving wife was by his side in everything. He saw her as his wife, his love and his best friend always: They were never apart. He passed away with his loving wife Maud, and his wonderful family by his side. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
In addition to his wife Maud, he is survived by his beloved daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Bobby Batson, their son and his grandson Matthew, of Lakeland, his loving step son Jon Fuchs of Tallahassee, his sister Brenda Craft, the kindest caring person ever born, the most wonderful Mom God ever saw fit to breathe life in, Evelyn Craft and Jen's Mom Lee Craft, all of Lakeland. He's preceded in death by the best father a guy could have, J.B. "Jake" Craft Jr. and his two best pals Jake and Cutter. Ron said often, "Life's a trip. Live every day of it. It goes by in a blink.
The family would like to thank Dr. Shalini Mulaparthi for her dedicated services, personal support and compassion throughout the process.

Published by The Ledger from Jan. 23 to Jan. 25, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE CRAFT

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Almost 10 years now since you left us for a better place in Heaven......still miss you my Vietnam Brother.
RIP
"Hawk" Hawkins

L.L Hawkins

School

January 17, 2023

Maud, I am sorry to hear of the loss of Ron. It's been many years since you and Ron left Texas after the sale of the dealership, but I look fondly at those times.

Joe Grief

June 3, 2014

HE WAS A GREAT MAN TO WORK FOR AS WAS MAUDE.HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED

HERBERT CHILES

March 19, 2014

Ron and I lost each other after HS as the military sent us in different directions. He and I had some great times in HS and I often wondered what happened to him and hoped he had a great life cause folks like him deserve to be rewarded. Ron and I were a bit mischevous in HS and he was my getaway driver the night I painted the SAE lion during a party at their frat house on the corner of Holligswoth Dr. just down the street from LHS. Great memories I have of our exploits. As life would have it we went different ways in our lives and I will always remember our times together. RIP my brother, you will be missed.

RALPH DAUGHERTY

February 8, 2014

My deepest sympathy to Ron's family. I grew up on Pablo Street in Lakeland back in the 50's and 60's We had a great neighborhood of families and the Crafts' were among that group. My thoughts and prayers are with the Craft family.

Bev Barber Reger

February 2, 2014

Semper Fi my Dear Friend, Semper Fi!

January 31, 2014

Wow, what a shock.......Prayers to Maud and family.......I go back to all the fun times in high school........we have stayed in touch for years....sends prayers and hugs your way........think I am just lost for proper words........
Carole Freeman class of 64....

January 31, 2014

Ron had a positive impact on lots of people. You can all be proud of his legacy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Stuart and Diane Shire

January 30, 2014

in loving memory of Ron

Eddie Baer

January 27, 2014

To Ron's family: I'm so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. My husband and I met you and bought a 32 roadster from him years ago. WE met him thru Roy Pickford in Houston Texas. He was always a very personable man and you are very sweet down to earth woman. I am so sorry for your loss

Shirley and Eddie Baer

January 27, 2014

Thank you for your friendship. May God bless Maud and the Craft family during this time.

Bobby White

January 26, 2014

My sympathies to your family. May you rest in peace.

Mike Massieu

January 26, 2014

Maud-
My deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of my friend, and fellow Vietnam veteran from high school, Ron. May God give you a special peace as you get through this loss. Ron will be truly missed by many.
RIP, Ron......
L.L." Hawk" Hawkins
Lakeland,Fla.

"Hawk" Hawkins

January 26, 2014

My thoughts are with Ron's family and love ones. Along with Rick Bird, Ron and I shared special times thoughout jr. and sr. high schools. After almost 50 years we talked the day after this past Christmas. Even knowing what he knew he sounded positive and accepting. I remember Ron as always being happy. I am saddened by Ron's passing but know that he is in a better place and without pain and suffering. Rest in peace Ron,
Your old friend.....Jon Ahlschwede

January 26, 2014

To Maude and Jen:Thank you for sharing Ron with us;all of us will miss him beyond words.He added so much to our lives.Peter Carr.Benton Ak.

January 25, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the Craft family. I met Mr, Craft in Baytown in 1982 where we sat and talked about Cadillac's for hours. I now am an employee of Ron Craft Chevrolet/Cadillac in Baytown. My heart and prayers are with you always.

Debra Fannin

January 25, 2014

Maud, I am so sorry for you and your families loss. Sending love and hugs your way.

Wendy Gross

January 24, 2014

So sorry for your loss -

Brenda Bonney

January 24, 2014

Maud and family, we are so sorry for your loss and pray that you have so many amazing memories to carry you through. Big Daddy will be in our hearts forever. He was such a great man and we enjoyed the time we spent with him.

Eric, Cristin and Hunter Peratt

January 23, 2014

You were larger than life and loved by all. You were one of the best friends I ever had and I can't believe you are gone. My thoughts and prayers are with Jen and Maud. Gone from sight but forever in our hearts.

Brenda Love

January 23, 2014

A wonderful resume of a life dedicated to family and friends. Memories of our youth return as we had great times. Fondly remember your Mom and Dad. Happy to know that you made them proud. Warmest wishes to your family and celebrate your dedication to them and the good memories you gave to all.

A friend, Michael Reed, Lakeland,Florida

January 23, 2014

WE have lost a most amazing man. I have known Ron for approximately 32 years. I had the privilege of working with Ron at Ray Durdin Chevrolet many years ago. He has always been a close friend and he will be sorely missed. May God bless the family during this time. Rest in Peace my Friend.

Annette Waldrup Harris

January 23, 2014

My mentor and awesome friend. I called him "Mr.. Getter Done" You were a inspiration to me, and great boss, and awesome friend. I am thankful for all your wisdom & knowledge you shared with me over the past 40 plus years. You counseled me in time of need and gave choices that were mind to choose, but they were always good one's. I was honored to have you as part my life journey. I cherish the time I spent with you and your family. You gave me the tools to be the great salesperson I am today, thank you Ron! I will keep Maud, Jenifer, Evelyn, Lee, Brenda, Matthew, Jon, Bobby in my prayers. RIP "Mr.. Getter Done" Ron Craft

Richard "Buck" Buckner

January 23, 2014

I will miss you. They broke the mold after they made you, pard.

Mark Holt

January 23, 2014

Chief, gonna miss you May God wrap his arms around you and declare, Well done good and faithful servant

Mike Isham

January 23, 2014

Thankful to know that not only you left this earth as my friend, but also my brother in Christ. We will meet again. Praying a host of angels around your family, may they find comfort and peace that passes all understanding.

Cindy LeBon

January 23, 2014

Mr. Craft you will be greatly missed. You were the best boss, mentor and friend. I will never forget how good you were to me when I started working for you and Maud so many years ago. God bless you.

Andrea McGuyer

January 23, 2014

Will miss you Ron. We had great times. You taught me alot about being a GREAT SALESPERSON. Carry on my friend, carry on.

Dirk Touchton

January 23, 2014

Jeni and family, please know that I am truly sorry for your loss. He sounds like quite a guy! May God be with you during this time and may you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Scott Hooker

January 23, 2014

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