Alfred Loran Craft II, age 51, of Tuscumbia, Al., passed away Monday, August 10, 2015. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 12, 2015 from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM at Colbert Memorial Chapel with service to follow at 1:00 PM in the Colbert Memorial Chapel. Steve Condra will be officiating. Born December 8, 1963 to Alfred and Betty Craft. Loran (as he was known by his friends and family) was a true southern family man. He grew up ever-present on the river or in the woods. He was raised in a loving, and close household with his brother, Chris, and sister, Lori Ann. He helped his father and his grandfather, Griffin Craft, with the family business, Pride of Dixie Syrup Company, both before and after graduating from Mars Hill in 1982. Ever since he was young, he was interested in all things mechanical, so he ventured from the security of a family business to pursue his own passion. That is, Loran was a mechanic by hobby and by trade: He competed in truck pulling competitions and owned his own shop, Shoals 4×4, for 5 years. Loran continued in his love of mechanic work when he went to work for Robbins Development for nearly 5 years, then at Thompson Caterpillar for 11 years. Even though mechanic work was his passion, his true love was his family. At UNA, he met the love of his life Karen Pruitt, daughter of Leon and Frankie Pruitt, they were married June 1, 1984. Loran and Karen had two sons Samuel Griffin Craft and Clayton Loran Craft, and soon to be daughter-in-law Erin McDerby to be married to Samuel. Samuel was named after Loran’s grandfather, and they named Clayton after Loran. His sons saw the true happiness of their father when he helped them build their own dune buggies. He was knowledgeable about all subjects and never hesitated to offer help or advice when his family needed it. He never missed an opportunity to call his mom and dad. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Loran Craft was loved by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St Jude’s Children’s Fund.
