John Earl Craft

John Earl “Johnny” Craft, 63, of Grifton, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at UNC Lenoir Health Care. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille “Cille” Craft.

Johnny was employed with Hobart Food Services for 39 years. He was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church where he also served on the board of trustees.

Johnny had three strong passions in life, his love for the Hugo Fire and Rescue Department, his love for his family, and his love for his church.

Johnny loved the Hugo community, and he loved his fire department. Johnny was a charter member of the department which began in March of 1980. He served in many positions on the department. He was a former fire chief with 31 years of service as fire chief. He was also chosen as an honorary member with the department as well as being an active firefighter right up to the time of his sickness. Much of his spare time was spent at the fire department doing what he loved. Some may say that he has been called to Heaven to join the Heavenly Fire Brigade. He never met a stranger and was loved by many.

Johnny is survived by his wife of six years, Priscilla Woodard Craft, of the home; father, Earl Craft, of Hugo; daughter, Samantha Craft, of Kinston; stepchildren, Crystal Herring, of LaGrange, Emily Hardy and husband, Sammy, of Jason, and Daniel Herring and wife, Mary Margaret, of Kinston; brother, Sammy Craft and wife, Sherry, of Kinston, and sister, Wanda C. White and husband, Frank, of Kinston. 

A visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Sharon United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Reverend Curtis Hammock officiating. In light of recent health concerns, the family requests those attending the services wear face masks while inside.

Immediately following the service, a Fireman’s Ceremony will be held at Hugo Fire Station #1 in Hugo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hugo Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Station 4 building fund. (P.O. Box 1168, Kinston, North Carolina 28503)