Willie Craft

Willie Craft, 91, a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away, Sunday, October 14th at Gulfport Memorial Hospital from cardiac arrest. He was born in Gulfport, MS, March 19, 1927, the son of James Craft, Sr. and Claudia Green. Willie Craft was an honorable World War II Veteran stationed in Germany who spoke fluent German. He was married to Mary Francis Armour on July 5, 1961. He spent his working career as a custodian for K&B Drug Store. Willie moved to Kansas City to live with his only daughter on June 20, 1996, after the death of his spouse. He then joined the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ under Pastor Daniel Chavis, Jr. and was baptized in Jesus name on October 30, 1996. Deacon Craft was a faithful member and deacon and could be found serving on his post every Sunday. Willie, also known as RIP, was preceded in death by his parents: James, Sr. and Claudia Craft; his spouse: Mary Francis Craft; 2 brothers: James Craft, Jr., also known as Tinny and Marion Craft; 1 stepson: Oscar Clarence Williams. He is survived by 1 daughter: Claudette Craft Rowland; 3 sons: Emmanuel Jarvis Craft, Michael Torrey Craft, Willie Coleman; 1 Stepson: Benjamin John Williams; Special caregiver: Charlene Craft; 1 sister-in-law: Zenobia Craft and 1 nephew: James Craft IV. He is also survived by 2 Granddaughters: Charmaine Craft and Shanissa Corene Rowland, 4 Grandsons: Richard "R.J." Lee Rowland, Jr.(Barbara), Quinton Desmond Rowland, Emmanuel Jarvis, Jr. and Willie Coleman, Jr.; 7 great-grandchildren: Nylah Craft and Londyn Craft of Gulfport, MS, Barbara Marie Rowland, LeeAnn Francis Rowland, Miykayah Barra Rowland, Mikhael Kal'el Rowland, and Samson Azaryah Rowland of Kansas City, MO. Funeral services for Willie Craft will be held Friday, October 26, 2018, at 1:00 PM. His body will lie in wait from 12:00 PM at Greater Grace Apostolic Assembly, 394 Forrest Avenue in Biloxi, Mississippi 39530. Arrangements are entrusted to Richmond August Funeral Home.