Grover Cleveland (G.C.) Croft

Grover Cleveland (G.C.) Croft, Jr., 90, of Albany, GA, died August 31, 2017 at Phoebe Worth Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3:00 PM at Byne Memorial Baptist Church. Rev. Jason Jones and Embree Bolton will officiate. Interment will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 30 Honor Guard. A native of Holopaw, FL, Mr. Croft grew up in Pelham, GA and played football for Pelham High School, graduating in 1943. He then joined the Navy and served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. After World War II, Mr. Croft played semi-pro baseball with the Detroit Tigers Mr. Croft moved to Albany, GA in 1962 and was employed in the Insurance Business for over forty years, working with Interstate Life, Gulf Life and retired from American General. He was a member of Byne Memorial Baptist Church where he taught a Men’s Sunday School Class for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post # 30, where he was a Past Commander of the Legion and longtime coach and manager of the Legion Baseball Teams. Survivors include his wife, Laverne Kato Croft, a son, Cleve Croft (Vicki) and a daughter, Gina Peak, all of Albany, GA, a step-daughter, Marilyn (Gary) Fowler of Lee County, GA, a step-son, Mickey Kato of Albany, GA, a brother, Bill (Millie) Croft of Winter Haven, FL, a sister, Nina Butts of Lee County, GA, nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Mr. Croft was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda Fudge, sisters, Estelle Croft, Nelle Bolton, brothers, Willis Croft and Bernie Croft. The family will receive friends one hour (2:00 PM until 3:00 PM) prior to the service at Byne Memorial Baptist Church. Those desiring may make contributions to Living the Legacy c/o Byne Memorial Baptist Church, 2832 Ledo Rd., Albany, GA, 31707.