He was born to Mark and Lottie Craft on December 7, 1932 at their Mill home at Number 6 Poplar St., Bibb City, Georgia.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mae Craft, a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Alicia Craft, a daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Donnie Pitts, all of Columbus. He has six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
He attended public school in Bibb City and then his parents paid for him to continue his high school education where he graduated from Jordan Vocational High School. After his Army service during the Korean Conflict, he returned to Columbus where he worked for the State briefly before his lifelong career with Prudential Insurance Company. He was a member of Rose Hill Church of Christ, where he met his lifelong companion and wife and later served many years as both a Deacon and an Elder.
After retiring from Prudential he returned to Columbus where he became an avid bike rider, completing the Ride Across Georgia, twice, in his seventies.
There are more stories than a simple obituary will ever tell.
He was beloved by both family and friends as a man of faith, caring, and compassion.
A celebration of Jerry's life will held in the Fisher Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, located at 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia, 31907, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm. with Elder Alan Fonville officiating.
