Name: Visitation for Earl Bentley Craft
Start: 2016-09-11T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-09-11T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Pensacola Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home - Pensacola

Earl Bentley Craft

1933 - 2016

Earl Bentley Craft, 82, formerly of Pensacola, Florida passed away September 8, 2016. He was a resident of Pensacola for over 40 years. Earl served in the United States Navy in the Korean war. He was a Master Welder/Fabricator and was a former member of the Elk's Lodge and the Steamfitters and Pipefitters Union.

Earl is preceded in death by his mother, Tessie Burkett Webb; father, Milford Craft; sister, Mildred Singleton; brother, Milford Craft Jr. and son, Michael Earl Craft. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Shirley Adeline Craft along with their three children; Debbie (Bob) Morris, Kathleen (Jon) Watkins, Ralph (Teresa) Medeiros. Also surviving him are his eleven grandchildren; Keith Morris, Khristopher Watkins, Jessica Wrigley, Lynn Sanson, Shannon Smith, Nicholas Watkins, Rebekah Watkins, Brian Craft, Hunter Medeiros, Zeke Henson, Ashley Henson and nine great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for visitation at Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Sunday, September 11, 2016 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Anne's Catholic Church on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Father John Lacari will be celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Baptist Hospital Nursing Staff on 1-West and Covenant Care Hospice - Joyce Goldenberg Inpatient Hospice. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish please donate to Covenant Care Hospice of Pensacola.

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Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Sep. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Craft

Sponsored by Pensacola Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home - Pensacola.

9 Entries

Jon Watkins

September 4, 2019

He loved his family, respected honesty and hard work, and enjoyed a cold one (or two) with those of us who loved him back. We all miss you buddy and look forward to seeing you again in our Father's house.

Sharon Blanton

September 14, 2016

Shirley,
I was saddened to hear of Earl's passing. He was a good man, laughing, joking and always had something going on. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Sharon Blanton (Donna Thompson's sister)

Jon Watkins

September 12, 2016

A man of his word. His yes was yes; his no was no. A man of principle who could work along side you, disagree with you, and at the end of the day have a beer and a laugh or two with you. I always looked forward to our family visits; too few and far between. His love for his family and his country were obvious in all he did. When he built something, he did it with a commitment to quality and pride; this was true for welded products, wooden products, and relationships. He was quick with praise, patient with those who tried and failed, but no averse to kicking you in the butt if you too smart for your own good: he spared neither the rod, nor compassion as it was needed or deserved. Many were blessed by his friendship, his counsel, and his love. I look forward to seeing him again in the life hereafter.

Khristopher Watkins

September 11, 2016

Unfortunately, I just talked with my Grandma Shirley, and my Papa Earl has passed away. He was a good man. Always caring and kind hearted. He loved the Miami Dolphins. He served his country in the Navy. He was a Master Welder. He took me to my first wrestling match with the Armstrong's at the old Pensacola Coliseum. He took me on my first fishing trip - where I caught my first bass - and learned my first dirty joke at age 7. He dropped my off at Florida State for my first day of college in 1995! He recorded our wedding! Fortunately, in 2013 we were able to visit as a family, where he got to meet all of the three C's and we celebrated CJW's third birthday with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! He was a good man. Peace and prayers be with him and my Grandma Shirley.

Mary Hawkins

September 10, 2016

Shirley,I am so sorry to hear of Earl's passing. Remember so well the suppers the cousins would have often. Sadly so many of them are gone now. Prayers for you and the family.

Ralph and Teresa Medeiros

September 10, 2016

We are lost without you , Earl!!! Who am I going to eat hot fudge sundaes with now?? I am so thankful that Hunter and I got to share eating the last hot fudge/caramel sundae with you!!! We will forever miss and love you!!! Our family will no longer be the same!! We long to see you smile again! Wait for us....we will be together again when God calls us home. It is hard to let you go but we are thankful at the same time that you are not suffering anymore. You fought hard for so long!! Rest now....Dad....We love you!!

Love, Your son, daughter in law and grandchildren.........Ralph, Teresa, Zeke, Ashley, and Hunter

September 10, 2016

You don't know me personally. However, I saw the notice and wanted to express my condolences. May God comfort you and your family.

Marilyn Brantley

September 10, 2016

My prayers are with the family. So sorry for your loss of a very wonderful man. He will be missed by many. (I am Donna Thompson's sister).

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