Thomas J. Crafton

Thomas Jameson Crafton
November 13, 1939 - June 22, 2013
Little River
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
A celebration of Tom's life will be held Wednesday, June 26th at 3 p.m. at The Well by the Sea in Myrtle Beach with the Revs. Tom Woodle and Charlie Walton officiating followed by a reception given by the Diocesan Church Women at the Well.
Tom was born in Washington, D.C. to the late Loraine A. and Hugh Chestney Crafton. His family includes (other than his wife, Elaine) his late brother Dick Crafton six children, Kenny (Shannon), Tomi (Ward), Kim, Tammy, Tim (co-mingled family) and a step son Jim E. Pike and 14 grands plus 4 great grands. Tom is with his holy family in Heaven now---The Father, Son, Holy Spirit and a Great Choir of Angels in which he has joined with his God given gift: bass profundo. Some even called him the "rouge bass" because he always joined the church choir in any of the many churches he visited and loved. Who can forget his booming voice saying "Hal la looo ya"?
Tom attended the University of Virginia for 2 years (where learned to "shoot" beers and party hardy). However, he was a graduate of Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA, He retired from Wellman, Inc as Manager in transportation and warehousing. He promptly returned to work in the golfing arena at Long Bay and River Hills. Golf was important in Tom's life especially his Sunday afternoon golf date with Elaine, but his most important mission in life was praising Jesus through the ministries of Faith Alive, Cursillo, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, intercessional prayer and Bible Study with his many Christian siblings. When asked to pray for someone, he often stunned his sibs by saying, "Lets pray Right now."
Giving thanks for all the priests God put in front of him (God knew he needed them), his celebration will probably have nearly as many priests there as would be in attendance at the many ordinations Tom and Elaine enjoyed. These members of the Holy Orders were assigned to take part in his service by Tom, since Tom planned his entire service! A special thanks to the "one who dug him out of the ditch many times" and became his best friend throughout his life. And to his faithful friend, Freddie, who never forgot to come to see him and cheer him up!
Thanks, also to InCare Hospice for the loving care to Tom these past four months, especially to Trish and Lois!
As Tom would say, "Yo Bros, See you soon!!!!"
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Well by the Sea, 211 Forestbrook Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579.
A message of condolence may be sent to lfhome@sccoast.net
Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.