Frank Wilfred Croft

Frank was born in Quantico, Virginia on March 17, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents, Major General (USMC Ret.) Frank Cornelius Croft and Helen Burnside McKechnie Croft. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Joanne H. Croft of the home and his much loved kitties, Boots and Socks; his daughter, Catherine Croft Aldridge of Irmo, SC; his sons, Frank Brian Croft (Autumn) of Morganton, NC, and Charles Vick Croft (Kari) of Wilmington, NC. His grandchildren; David Croft, Tanner Croft, Ben Croft, Maggie Croft and Ashlyn Aldridge. Also surviving is his sister, Janet Proctor (Jay) of Beaumont, TX; his former wife, June V. Croft of Wilmington, NC; his favorite cousin, Arnie McKechnie (Carol) of Colorado; a very special niece, Lynn M. Martin (Glenn) of Mooresville, NC, and their sons, Adam (Sierra) and Logan; long-time friends, Koleta Thompson of Texas and Bill, Becky, Adam and Josh Boswell of Wilson, NC; other family members and many friends in Chapin, SC, and Wilmington, NC.

Frank lived in several countries during his father’s military career, ended up back in the USA for high school, and graduated from New Bern High School in New Bern, NC. He went on to attend North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!!), was a member of the Rho Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity, and graduated with a Degree in Engineering. He then joined the US Army, was a member of the 82nd Airborne and was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. After leaving the Army, Frank stated his career with DuPont in Old Hickory, TN. During his employment with DuPont, Frank attended night school and earned his Master’s Degree in Engineering. Frank retired from DuPont, Wilmington facility, after 30 years of service and later on from KoSa (Cape Industries), Wilmington facility, after 9 years of service.

Frank volunteered in several positions with Cape Fear Credit Union for more than 25 years and retired as Director Emeritus. Frank also served as a Board member of the North Carolina Credit Union League and the East Carolina Chapter of Credit Unions. He received the NCCUL Volunteer of the Year award and the NCCUL Mark of Excellence award for his services in the Credit Union community. He was a proud member of the United States Volunteers in Wilmington and attended many military funerals to honor those who had served their country. Frank also loved to sing and was a member of the Cape Fear Chordsmen of Wilmington, a barbershop group that performed several times a year for various functions.

Services and visitation will be held at Chapin United Methodist Church on a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ASPCA, your local Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Chapin Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.

“When I’m Gone”

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile,

Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned and remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken:

Remember some good I have done,

Forget that I ever had heartache and remember I’ve had loads of fun.

Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way.

Remember I have fought some hard battles

And won, ere the close of the day,

Then forget to grieve for my going,

I would not have you sad for a day,

But in summer just gather some flowers

And remember the place where I lay,

And come in the shade of Evening,

When the sun paints the sky in the west,

Stand for a few moments beside me and remember only my best.

Anonymous