AHOSKIE, NC – Donald (Don) C. Craft of Ahoskie, NC was welcomed into the presence of His Lord on February 12, 2016. He was surrounded by his family when he passed away. He was 83 years old.

Don is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Washburn Craft, of 61 precious years. He is also survived by son Donnie Craft and his wife Wanda, son Jimmy Craft and his wife Mindy, and daughter Suzanne Sharpe and her husband Dave; his 10 grandchildren; his 3 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Lucile Hampton of Smithfield, UT. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Avis Harrell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Esther Craft of Greene County and Raleigh, NC; and his sister, Hazelene McGowan of Media, PA.

Don was born on August 26, 1932 in Walstonburg, Greene County, NC to Herbert and Esther Craft. He graduated from Pfeiffer Junior College and earned his Bachelors of Agricultural Engineering degree from North Carolina State University in 1955. Don began his career with John Deere Co upon graduation. In 1961 he moved his family to Ahoskie where they made their home and raised their children. He owned H&V Equipment Company in Ahoskie until 1983; served as a Hertford County Commissioner and served as Hertford County Manager from 1990 to 2005 when he retired.

Don’s faith was so important to him. He, and his family, joined Ahoskie United Methodist Church in 1961 and he was active as a choir member, Sunday school teacher and various other leadership roles both locally and in the greater UMC District and Conference levels as long as his health allowed.

And as much as anything, Don was a life-long Wolfpacker through and through.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Ahoskie United Methodist Church, with a visitation to follow in the church’s fellowship hall. Reverend Jerry Cribb will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Don’s life.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Ahoskie United Methodist Church, PO Box 665, Ahoskie, NC 27910.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is handling the arrangements for the Craft family and online condolences may be directed to the family at garrrettsykesfs.com.