Frank was born September 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Ga., the third child of George Springer Craft and Eleanor Spalding Craft. A lifelong and devoted Catholic, Frank attended Georgetown Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. and Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., graduating with a B.A. in History in 1970.
Frank followed his father into commercial banking in Atlanta. He spent his early years at C&S Bank before moving to Trust Company Bank of Atlanta (later SunTrust and Truist), where he spent more than 25 years in the factoring and international divisions of the bank. At Trust Company, Frank forged lasting friendships with many of his colleagues that endured the rest of his life.
Frank was a passionate enthusiast of trains, born from his years as a student riding the Southern Crescent to Washington, D.C. and Mobile, Ala. He loved planes as well; his family often marveled at his ability to look up at an airliner flying overhead and name both the model and carrier based just on the shape and colors of the plane.
Frank gave generously of his time to many charitable organizations in Atlanta throughout his life, especially St. Joseph’s Hospital, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta.
Frank was a lifelong member of the Atlanta Homosassa Fishing Club, serving at various times as the Club’s Secretary-Treasurer, President and Chairman of the Board. Homosassa, Fla., was Frank’s favorite place on earth, and the many friendships he made with the people of Homosassa connected to the club meant the world to him.
Above all, Frank will be remembered for his unwavering love, loyalty and support of his family. He placed the well-being of his family above all else, constantly sacrificing his own interests for theirs. He was a living role model for his children and grandchildren about how to live a life based on faith, love, integrity and loyalty. He was dearly loved by his family and will be deeply missed by them.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marianne Kendrick Craft; daughter, Agie Rutkowski (Brad) of Atlanta; stepsons Jack Calhoun (Nancy) of Athens and Stewart Calhoun (Jennifer) of Atlanta; grandchildren Carter Rutkowski and William Rutkowski; James Calhoun, Kate Calhoun and Paige Calhoun; and Georgia Calhoun and Tripp Calhoun; brothers, George Craft (Lilly) of Sacramento, Calif., Spalding Craft (Sandy) of Morehead City, N.C., and John Craft (Ginger) of Darien, Conn.; and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family wishes to acknowledge its sincere appreciation to Candy Coveney, Linda Smith, Rita Marchand, and the staff of Belmont Village in Atlanta for the love, compassion and invaluable support they provided Frank during his battle with dementia.
A funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, immediately followed by a reception at Kenny Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Frank M. Craft to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in care of the Cathedral of Christ the King.
