Thomas Richard Craft, 86, of Ore City went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2026. He was born on March 14, 1940, to Letha and Theodore Craft in Stamford, TX. He grew up in Sulphur Springs where he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Herman Ritchie. After graduating from Sulphur Springs High School, he served four years in the United States Navy before returning home to marry his sweetheart, Vida Ferguson, on September 22, 1961. They were married for 64 years.

Richard lived most of his adult life in Ore City where he and Vida raised two children, Kelly and Chris Craft. He worked at Rexam manufacturing in Longview until he retired in 2002.

After retiring, Richard most enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. During his retirement, he and Vida took many trips with neighbors and friends that were more like family. When he was home, he could be found outside working on the property cutting down trees and taking care of his yard, which he found much joy in.

Richard, who was known to many as “Granddaddy” and “Uncle T,” will be remembered for his incredibly patient and gentle demeanor. He lived a long life of contentment and loved his family well.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Teddy, Jerry, and Peggy Craft and Wanda, David, and Bobby Ritchie, brothers-in-law Eddie Raibourn and Larry Ferguson, and his daughter Kelly Pliler. He is survived by his wife Vida Craft, son Chris Craft and daughter-in-law Lori, four grandchildren- Lindsey (husband Tony) Marshall, Lesley (husband Travis) Moser, Ian Craft (wife Mackenzie), Emory Craft (wife Allyson)- sisters Louise Hill and Doris Young, sisters-in-law Marilyn Raibourn and Meloney Ferguson, brother-in-law Norman Ferguson, nine great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Croley Funeral Home (Diana) on Monday, July 6 at 10:00 am immediately followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am, at the same location. There will be a graveside service at Ore City Cemetery following the funeral.