Craft, Lawrence Sargent

Lawrence Sargent Craft, US Navy Ret. passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2011 at his home, 39 Paddock Lane, Southern Pines, NC. Lawrence (Larry) graduated from high school in 1939 and joined the Navy (his dream). He was immediately assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Lexington to Bombing Squadron Two. He served with that squadron until his ship was sunk in the Battle of the Coral Sea. After his ship was sunk, he served with other squadrons and participated in all the heavy fighting in the Pacific. He was awarded two air medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his service. Larry is survived by his wife, “Bee Bee” of seventy years; two sons Kent Craft of Southern Pines, NC and Terry Craft and wife Stacey of Gray, GA; daughters Judi Kelly of Carthage, NC and Barbara Gwaltney of Reston, VA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Saturday at 10 AM followed by a chapel service at Boles Funeral Home.