Craft of gulf

R.C. Craft, who in a more than 50-year career in south Baldwin County turned a small gladiola farm into successful sod, golf and real estate businesses, died Monday. He was 78.

Craft, a veteran of World War II who lived in Gulf Shores, moved to Baldwin County from Florida in 1954. In a 2003 interview, Craft said he and his wife, Jane, realized that the region had great potential.

"We felt like this was a prime area for development since we moved here from Fort Myers and saw how similar this area was to down there and how popular that area had become," he said. "I felt like at some time in the future, that would happen here."

Craft was a founding member of the Gulf Shores Golf Club, and served as the chairman of the Gulf Shores Utility Board.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jane Wingo Craft of Gulf Shores; son, Robert Craft; a sister, Janie Johnson of Fort Myers.; and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Andrew by the Sea Community Church in Gulf Shores.