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BORN
1938
DIED
2014
Paul Craft Obituary
The Tennessean reported http://tnne.ws/1nufHyp that Craft died Saturday at a Nashville hospital "after years of deteriorating health."
Craft penned the words to songs made famous by the likes of Ray Stevens, Mark Chestnutt, Alison Krauss, the Eagles and Linda Rondstadt.
He was inducted earlier this month into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame after being nominated numerous times over the years.
The newspaper said Craft was also a member of American Mensa, a group for people whose IQ is in the top 2 percent of the population.
Among his most well-known songs were "Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life," ''Dropkick Me, Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life)," ''Brother Jukebox," and "It's Me Again, Margaret," one of Stevens' signature songs.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
43 Entries
Harry Simpson
October 18, 2019
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
"Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Shipmate's going Ashore..."
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Harry Simpson
October 19, 2017
Godspeed Paul, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Lena Williams
February 1, 2015
Rest in peace.
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Randy Master
November 4, 2014
I can't tell you how much fun our Lexington Emmaus Walk men's groups have had singing "Drop Kick Me Jesus". We are all broken and this song resonates with us and brings us comfort and joy. RIP
BC
October 23, 2014
Great job, Paul! You experienced a life well lived. May cherished memories and God's word comfort and strengthen loved ones left behind.
Pam Gadd
October 23, 2014
Goodbye old friend. My condolences to the family. Paul was a fellow banjo player, and I used to visit some with him when I was with Wild Rose in the early 90's. I truly found him to be warm and fun, and WHAT A WRITER...Farewell :-(
Mark Germino
October 21, 2014
Paul Craft was instrumental in ushering myself and Rob Stanley into the epicenter of the music business by way of his recording of our song 'Lean On Jesus' (Before He Leans On You)at a time when his own catalogue of songs was on fire. It generally stunned Rob & I when he cherry picked our song for his first Chet Atkins produced single for RCA in 1978. That was, however, only a tiny glint into Paul's ongoing practice of championing new writers with no track record. One of Paul's many talents was his memory. As a publisher, when Paul investigated anyone's virgin catalogue, he did not just give your material a perfunctory glance and move on, he literally absorbed your music into his brain and carried it for for years and it was not unusual to receive a 'cut' from a song he published 20 years after he'd originally heard it. None-the-less, I believe Paul's ability to entertain a live audience was his greatest talent and I am so grateful to have been witness to his string of Mississippi Whiskers shows (full band) circa 1977-'79, that captured the wholeness of his talent; his writing, guitar, banjo, amazing humor and the unique way he could roll through his varied catalogue of song creations. Those crazy, quality-filled nights will be how I choose to remember Paul most often.
Andy Eudaly
October 21, 2014
RIP Paul. The Hourglass. The Settlers. Long ago Sunday afternoons. So many youthful memories to remember, and treasure, of your humor and your talent and your life. You wrote...."I can't help but shake my head at the absolute completeness of it all."
Mark Fair
October 21, 2014
Paul was incredible mentor and friend. There will never be another.
October 21, 2014
Paul was a member of the Class of 1956 at St. Christopher's School in Richmond VA. His classmates mourn his passing and offer their sympathy to the family.
Frank von Richter, Class Secretary
October 21, 2014
Please find comfort in God our refuge and strength in times of distress.(Psalm 46:1). My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Cheryl Christensen
October 21, 2014
I am proud and honored to have been able to call Paul my friend. I have many great memories of times in Nashville with him. His passing brings great sorrow, but The Lord will comfort his family and friends during this difficult time. His music and memories will always be with me. Much love to his family...and much love to you, Paul. I am unable to get to his service, but will be there in spirit and praying at that time. I will dearly miss him, Nashville will never be the same.
D.
October 20, 2014
PC this world will never be the same without you.
Scott Faragher
October 20, 2014
I'll miss Paul. He always had such a great sense of humor, generally as dry as the desert. What a great guy!
Phyllis Hill
October 20, 2014
I became acquainted with Paul in the mid-1970's when I was a secretary at Screen Gems-EMI Music, and Paul was one of our writers. Years later, when I would see him occasionally at music business functions, he always remembered my name and spoke to me. I loved his wit, humor, and songwriting talent, and I'll remember him fondly. Rest in Peace, Paul.
Jan and George St. John
October 20, 2014
George and I have fond memories of Paul in Charlottesville days when we did some pickin' together. We will miss him and hold those memories dearly.
Bill Campbell
October 20, 2014
Oh..my..God. Not Paul! He roomed next door to me at 101 Emmett House, University of Virginia in 1956-57. I will never forget him and his cool demeanor. When he saw me playing my guitar in my room, he asked me what kind of music I played. I told him that, one day, I wanted to play like Chet Atkins. He told me that 'anyone can play like Chet', and he proceeded to take me next door to his room, pull out his big red Gretsch, and play 'Country Gentleman' just like Chet. At 18 years of age. Rest in peace, Paul, I will be joining you soon.
Steve Wallach
October 20, 2014
To a dear man who always had a smile on his face. You always made me laugh. Rest in peace Paul and thanks for some incredible songs that will live on forever.
October 20, 2014
Your memory will always be remembered in the music that you left us......
The Settlers - Gary Pierce, Bill Yearwood, Ronnie Caldwell, Don Singleton, and Gary Adair
Cathy Keltner Arnwine
October 20, 2014
Miss those happy days with Paul, Buddy, Ned. They were the best. A great talent will be missed. God bless the Craft family.
Rose Salles
October 20, 2014
Paul was a talented, thoughtful person. I haven't seen him in years but it was a pleasure to know him. He used to frequent Pop Tunes Record Shop in Memphis when I worked there in the 70's.
October 20, 2014
May the God of all comfort coomfort you and your family in this time of grief. Gwen Flowers.
Fred Koller
October 20, 2014
Sad loss but at least we have the wonderful songs
he wrote .
October 20, 2014
Thoughts are with the family and all of the bereaved.May your memories bring you comfort,and God's holy spirit be your peace.I-I myself am the One that is comforting you people..isa.51:12
Tommy McEwen
October 20, 2014
Paul was a true friend, when my brother Buddy McEwen was fighting Cancer Paul was there through it all. We have lost another member of the "The Settler's"
October 20, 2014
May the prayers of family and friends comfort you at this time. Ps. 55:22
October 20, 2014
So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. My memories go way back to the beginning of his great success when he lived in Richmond, VA and played the banjo with a local bluegrass band on the New Dominion Barn Dance in the early sixties. He was a big part of our lives back then, and the memories are still fresh of the fun times. It all seems like yesterday. Lives move on, but the memories are forever. Paul give me my nickname that is all people call me today. Please know his loss is felt far and wide. My prayers are with his loved ones. May the Lord give you peace.
Ginny
Debbie Hupp
October 20, 2014
Paul was a boundary pusher, which is both brave and admirable in Nashville. He was a friend and colleague, I say proudly. Send a few down, Paul.
Mel Hughes
October 20, 2014
I feel so lucky and honored to have been a part of Paul's early career in music.
He was banjo player with "The Bent Mountain Boys" 1959-60 and has remained a dear friend throughout his life. I will miss him like a brother.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand, to "Keep You From Blowing Away" and Bless You, to help you cope with your loss.
October 20, 2014
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
B Lucas
October 20, 2014
It seems his life was a full one, with many accomplishments. Your many memories of him will bring back good times. Please accept my sincere condolence for your loss.
Kathie Leigh Cavette
October 20, 2014
Although Paul is family (cousin), unfortunately I did not get to know him well. My mom loved him and spoke about him all of the time and loved to hear from him. We are so proud of him as a man and his accomplishments. He will be missed! My prayers are with you all.
October 20, 2014
Try and always remember the Good times that you shared with Mr Craft to help keep you strong and even bring a smile to your face every now and then. God loves you and want you to draw close to him for support and strength.
October 20, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
rl
October 19, 2014
My condolences to the family. I know it hurt so deeply when you loose a love one. May God comfort you at this most difficult time.
J. Lewis
October 19, 2014
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort and strength during this time of sorrow by drawing close to God who gives support to all those relying on him. (Psalms 145:14,16)
Tina
October 19, 2014
May the God of comfort be with you during this time.
Scott Chamberland
October 19, 2014
Rest in Peace
Ben and Barbara Eldridge
October 19, 2014
We are so sad to receive the news of the passing of our true and long-time friend, Paul. What a character, great song writer and lover of music he was. We will miss his presence but great memories of him will live on. Rest in peace, Paul.
October 19, 2014
Deepest condolences to the family at this very sad time. John 5:25
Betty Westmoreland
October 19, 2014
Paul Craft fans everywhere are shocked and saddened by the loss of this talented musician and songwriter. He was a mentor and treasured friend to Memphis' own Tennessee Gentlemen bluegrass band. May he rest in peace.
October 19, 2014
My condolences to your family during this time of grief.
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