Bob Craft

ASHEVILLE - Broadus Zellers Bob Craft, 88, of Craft Drive, passed away Friday, June 22, 2012 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. A native of Hartwell, GA, Mr. Craft had resided in Buncombe County for 45 years. He worked as a welder with Williams Brothers of Tulsa, OK, in pipeline construction. In the fifteen years there, he worked on the Alaskan Pipeline and served as Vice President of Williams Brothers. He later worked for Harrison Wright as a Foreman for 19 years, before retiring in 1991 from PSNC Energy as a welder. He was also a US Army Veteran. Mr. Craft was a dedicated member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where he served five consecutive 3 year terms as Deacon. He was also proud to serve as a Mason for 58 years, belonging to the Toccoa Masonic Lodge #309 and the Biltmore Masonic Lodge #446. He was a member of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Georgia, Grand Council of Georgia, Philemon Commandery #33, Knights Templor, Toccoa, GA, York Rite Mason and Scottish Rite Mason. Mr. Craft loved God, his wife, his church, and family, and was affectionately known to many as The Candy Man. Mr. Craft was the son of the late Thomas S. and Neubia Segars Craft. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Burrell Craft; and sisters: Edna Snyder, Charlotte Phillips, Nell Bishop and Jewel Carnes. Surviving are his sister, Margaret Wigington of Toccoa, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Ronnie Owen officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Cemetery with Masonic Graveside Rites provided by the Biltmore Masonic Lodge #446. The Lodge will open at 12:30 PM Tuesday. Family will receive friends from 7-9 PM Monday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, C/O Care Partners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.