Photo courtesy of Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Apr 23, 1933 – Mar 11, 2024
Mr. Larry Dwight Craft, 90, of Fayetteville, and formerly of Vienna, WV, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024, under the loving care of his daughter, Susan Wood, Lower Cape Fear Hospice and the Davis Health Care Center in Wilmington, NC.
Larry was born April 23, 1933, in Parcoal, WV, the son of Blaine and Pauline Craft. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Carol J Craft.
Surviving are two daughters, Terri Craft of Los Angeles, CA and Susan Craft Wood and her husband, David Wood of Wilmington, NC, and two grandchildren, Drew Wood and Brooke Wood. Also surviving is a sister, Jacquelyn Phillips of Vienna, WV and several nieces and nephews.
Larry graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1951. He was a Veteran having proudly served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. After his military service, Larry worked as the Human Resources Manager at Dupont Washington Works in Parkersburg, WV then at Dupont Fayetteville Works in Fayetteville, NC for almost 40 years.
He was passionate about sports and officiated High School football and basketball for over 50 years. He was also a skilled and avid golfer who notched two official holes in one during his lifetime.
He was also a member of Village Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC for 46 years and he loved his church family.
He, like his wife, chose to donate his body for medical research to the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. When his remains are returned, his family will hold a graveside memorial service at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Parkersburg, WV.
Memorial Donations in Larry's memory may be made online at www.Lifecare.org or by mail to: Lower Cape Fear Life Care, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.
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Our most sincere condolences to Larry’ love once and extended family. I really appreciate the time we spent together on the Basketball Court! RIP
Ruben Ortiz
April 13, 2024 | Eastover, NC | Acquaintance
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Larry. I enjoyed my time officiating with him. I learned alot from Larry during our time on the basketball court. He will be greatly missed.
Darryl Page
April 12, 2024 | Fayetteville, NC | Acquaintance
I first met Mr And Mr Craft when Susan and I were in elementary school. We became best buddies and had our own crew in the neighborhood! They always made all of us girls feel so loved and welcome in their home! They had a lot of patience with our crazy teenage years! Through the years I would run into them at our local hot spots right around the neighborhood we grew up
In and later he officiated some of my son’s basketball games in church leagues. He always spoke to me and asked about my...
Angela Tyndall Godwin
March 22, 2024 | Fayetteville, NC | Friend
I'm so sorry to hear about Larry's passing. I met Larry back around 2000 when I began officiating high school football for the Southeastern Athletic Officials Association. We worked many football games together (and a few basketball too) over my 22 years in the organization. It was always nice to catch up with him at meetings and chat. For someone in his early 20s at that time, I could always trust his advice and appreciated his humor. He was a class act, and will be greatly missed! ...
John Jones
March 19, 2024 | Fayetteville, NC | Friend
Jackie and family. I’m very sorry to hear of your brother passing away. I haven’t seen him in years , but I remember his face. You ran around with my sister , Shirley Bennett , Cottrill. She passed away a year ago. You lived across the street from me on 45 th street in Vienna. Im Shirley’s sister , Lynda Bennett McDonald. Blessings to you and your family Jackie. I’m so very sorry. ❤❤
Lynda , Bennett , Mcdonald
March 17, 2024 | Washington, WV | Friend
We have been members of Village Baptist Church and in the same Sunday School Class for 46 years just like Larry and Carol. They were sweet people and always had a smile on their faces. Wonderful Christians and loved the Lord. They will certainly be missed and we are praying for the family. We send our love, Rochelle & Bill Emory.
Rochelle & Bill Emory
March 17, 2024 | Fayetteville, NC | Friend
I was saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. He was a great person. Larry’s people skills in Personnel at DuPont Washington (WV) Works were outstanding. Larry knew everyone, most of whom he hired. He and I had numerous good times officiating high school and junior high football. We shared lots of laughs together. My thoughts and prayers are with his daughters and family.
Jim Smith
March 17, 2024 | Hockessin, DE | Coworker
Larry was a good Christian man who loved his family! He loved the game of golf and was known in the Fayetteville , Cumberland County and surrounding counties as a very good referee. He was a faithful member of Village Baptist Church. He will be missed!
Chuck Gore
March 16, 2024 | Fayetteville, NC | Friend
An amazing Man! He made everyone feel like they were somebody .special! His contagious smile was sincere and heartfelt. Larry always called you by name, what a gift my parents Richard and Alice Williams asked me to convey their deepest sympathy and will be praying for the family. He is in a place where knowing everyone there is his superpower! Reunited with Carol, the love of his lifeGet ready y’all.. Heavens looking better everyday!
Meet you at the Clubhouse Uncle Larry!!
Eric and Susan Williams
March 16, 2024 | Matthews, NC | Friend