Benny Lee Craft went home to be with the Lord on February 1, 2020. He was born in Hamlin, Texas, on November 22, 1957, to Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Joe Craft. He grew up loving sports and he excelled on the track and football fields. He graduated from Wall High School in 1977 and went right to work in construction and then in the oil field. In 1984 he married the love of his life, Kelly Ingram, in Corpus Christi, Texas. They were by each other’s side for 36 years.
Benny followed in his dad’s footsteps and pursued a career in oil and gas, as a gauger. These skills put him in the path of Glenn Smith, the owner of Smith Production Inc., who was beginning to build his oil and gas production company. They joked throughout the years that Benny was an “ancient relic” with the company, as he was the first person that Mr. Smith ever hired. Benny’s company, Crafco C.G.S. Inc. grew along with Smith Production. The relationship spanned over 30 years.
At Around the same time, Benny had the opportunity to join J.F. Welder Heirs as Ranch Foreman for their Odem “Angelita” ranch. Moving his family to the Angelita was a dream come true for a West Texas cowboy. He loved the ranch, and was diligent in its upkeep. Part of the job was to help preserve the property’s hunting and fishing resources. This led him to work closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife which, in turn, led to his pursuing a Texas Peace Officer’s license. He loved working with his law enforcement community brothers/sisters, and served over 25 years as a Reserve Deputy for both San Patricio County and Nueces County Sheriffs’ Departments.
Anyone who knew Benny, knew that he loved his family, he loved his work, he loved hunting and fishing, but, above all, he loved the Lord. He did not hesitate to share his faith in Jesus Christ. In 2001, a small group of folks began meeting for a bible study on the Angelita. Eventually, the group grew into a congregation which is now known as Bible Believers Baptist Church . He has been a faithful member since the beginning. This association has given him many opportunities to help missionaries serving around the world.
Benny is preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Joe and Mary Elizabeth (Susie) Craft. He is survived by his wife Kelly, daughter Shannon (Tony), brothers Bobby (Donna), Kenny (Cindy), and Don (Susan), his sisters LaQuita and Ellen (Ricky), and numerous, beloved, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 5-9 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home in Corpus Christi, Texas. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, February 6th, at 10 am at Bible Believers Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens.
In Benny’s memory, donations can be made to Bible Believers Baptist Church mission fund. Please make checks payable to Bible Believers Baptist Church and in the memo—“missions—memorial for Benny.”
