William A Craft

William was born on June 27, 1928, in Dillon, South Carolina, to John Howard Craft and Lily Adams. From the very beginning, he carried with him a joyful spirit, an easy laugh, and a friendliness that made strangers feel like lifelong friends.

In 1958, William married the love of his life, Elaine Marie Bourlon. Together they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and family, raising two sons, Dennis Ray Craft and Wayne Alan Craft. William was deeply proud of his family and found his greatest joy in watching it grow. He is also lovingly remembered by his granddaughter, Anna Marie Craft, and his great-grandson, Gage, who brought him immense happiness.

William is survived by his siblings: John Craft, Robert Craft, Eunice Kell, Alice Jackson, Lila Cooper, and Lilly Sanderson, all of whom shared in a lifetime of memories and bonds that never faded.

A man of many talents, William was a professional wood carver, a craft he loved deeply and took great pride in. He was especially known for carving remarkably realistic birds—works so full of life that they felt ready to take flight. It was his heartfelt wish to be remembered through these carvings, each one a reflection of his patience, creativity, and love of nature. His passion for the craft led him to start a chainsaw wood carving show in Chetwynd, British Columbia, Canada, a testament to his adventurous spirit and desire to share his art with others.

William also devoted his time to serving his community as a Cub Scout Leader, guiding young people with kindness, encouragement, and quiet wisdom. He lived by and instilled in his family a simple but powerful belief: “You can do anything you want to do.” That message continues to echo through the generations he inspired.

In addition to his creative and community contributions, William proudly served his country. He honorably served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959, and later in the United States Army from 1962 to 1978, dedicating many years of his life to the service of others with honor and integrity.

William will be remembered as a happy, friendly man who laughed often, loved deeply, and left every place—and every person—better than he found them. His legacy lives on in his family, in the birds he carved with care, and in the enduring belief that anything is possible.