Raymond Crafton

Raymond "RC" Crafton, Jr., age 88 of St. Augustine passed from this life Wednesday, August 14, 2013. He was born in Clearwater and previously resided in the Jacksonville and Leesburg areas. RC was a member of the Greatest Generation, honorably serving his country as a motor machinist's mate aboard the USS Waukesha (AKA84) in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. His ship was one of seven present in Tokyo Bay in August 1945 when the peace treaty was signed to bring about the end of the war. After the war RC returned home, to the farm in Gilchrist County, to work with his family. He later attended Greer College in Chicago, IL for training on diesel engines. After school, RC went to work for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad in Jacksonville shoveling coal on one of the last steam engines and worked his way up to the position of Engineer as the new diesel engines came into use. RC enjoyed his career on the railroad for 35 years; and would always say he had to "Keeping those wheels grinding". As the Atlantic Coastline Railroad merged and became the Seaboard Coastline Railroad he was transferred to and worked out of Wildwood while living in Leesburg with his family. RC is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Zelda of St. Augustine; daughters: Cheryl (Jerry) Whitted of Greeneville, TN., Vicky (Paul) Oakes of St. Augustine, FL., Becky (Joe) Gross of Chuckey , TN. And two grandchildren; Sarah and Luke Whitted. RC was a member of the South Jacksonville Church of Christ and the American Legion. In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions may be made directly to the Bailey Community Hospice Center in St. Augustine. The family also extends a very special thanks to the nurses and staff of the Bailey Center who cared for RC so excellently in his last days. A memorial service will be held 11:00am, Friday, September 13, 2013 at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida. Arrangements are under the care and direction of FORBES FUNERAL HOME, 904-259-4600. Please sign the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net