Russell Craft
July 28, 1968 - February 16, 2025
Obituary
Russell Oneil Craft, lovingly known as "Ru'," passed away on February 16, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 56. Born July 28, 1968, in Williston, Florida, Russell lived a life filled with hard work, dedication to his family, and a deep love for music and sports.
Russell attended Bronson Elementary before continuing his education at Bronson Middle/High School. Over the years, he worked in various fields, including plant nurseries, grocery stores, delis, and a cheese importer warehouse. However, for the last 14 years of his career, he found his calling in the restaurant industry as a skilled breakfast and grill cook. His talent and dedication to his craft were evident to all who had the pleasure of enjoying a meal prepared by him.
Beyond his work, Russell had many passions that brought him joy. He loved fishing and was an avid fan of football and basketball. He also enjoyed playing video games and had a deep appreciation for hip-hop and popping 'n' locking style dancing. Music played a significant role in his lifeespecially 80s hip-hop/rap, R&B, and rock 'n' rollwhich provided him with comfort and inspiration throughout the years.
Russell cherished spending time with his family. He shared a loving relationship with his longtime girlfriend of 15 years, Sonya Pitts. He was a devoted father to his daughters Elena Craft and Evealena Peters. Evealena and her husband Kyle blessed him with four granddaughters who brought immense joy into his life. Russell is also survived by his siblings: Juanita Cobarruvias and her husband Eddie along with her four children; Toni Craft Vargas and her husband Saul Vargas along with her son; Cheryl Craft-Garcia and her husband Isidro, along with three children; and Terry Craft along with two children. Additionally, he leaves behind several cousins as well as great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Evealena Craft, as well as his brother, Timmy Craft.
Russell fought a long battle with heart problems and illness, facing cancer over the last year and a half of his life. Despite these challenges, his love for Sonya, his daughters, and his family gave him strength to keep fighting until the very end. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in painthat his soul is at peaceand that the love he shared will remain forever in our hearts.
A funeral service will be held on March 1, 2025, at Knauff Funeral Home, located at 512 E. Noble Ave., Williston, Florida 32696. The service will begin at 11:00 AM.
Russell's memory will live on through those who knew him bestthe ones who laughed with him, shared meals with him, listened to music alongside him, and felt the warmth of his presence. May he rest in peace.
Russell attended Bronson Elementary before continuing his education at Bronson Middle/High School. Over the years, he worked in various fields, including plant nurseries, grocery stores, delis, and a cheese importer warehouse. However, for the last 14 years of his career, he found his calling in the restaurant industry as a skilled breakfast and grill cook. His talent and dedication to his craft were evident to all who had the pleasure of enjoying a meal prepared by him.
Beyond his work, Russell had many passions that brought him joy. He loved fishing and was an avid fan of football and basketball. He also enjoyed playing video games and had a deep appreciation for hip-hop and popping 'n' locking style dancing. Music played a significant role in his lifeespecially 80s hip-hop/rap, R&B, and rock 'n' rollwhich provided him with comfort and inspiration throughout the years.
Russell cherished spending time with his family. He shared a loving relationship with his longtime girlfriend of 15 years, Sonya Pitts. He was a devoted father to his daughters Elena Craft and Evealena Peters. Evealena and her husband Kyle blessed him with four granddaughters who brought immense joy into his life. Russell is also survived by his siblings: Juanita Cobarruvias and her husband Eddie along with her four children; Toni Craft Vargas and her husband Saul Vargas along with her son; Cheryl Craft-Garcia and her husband Isidro, along with three children; and Terry Craft along with two children. Additionally, he leaves behind several cousins as well as great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Evealena Craft, as well as his brother, Timmy Craft.
Russell fought a long battle with heart problems and illness, facing cancer over the last year and a half of his life. Despite these challenges, his love for Sonya, his daughters, and his family gave him strength to keep fighting until the very end. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in painthat his soul is at peaceand that the love he shared will remain forever in our hearts.
A funeral service will be held on March 1, 2025, at Knauff Funeral Home, located at 512 E. Noble Ave., Williston, Florida 32696. The service will begin at 11:00 AM.
Russell's memory will live on through those who knew him bestthe ones who laughed with him, shared meals with him, listened to music alongside him, and felt the warmth of his presence. May he rest in peace.
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Memories
A
Anthony
Other •
May God bless comfort and console his family and loved ones. In Jesus name, amen.
KR
Kimberly ruvio
Other •
We miss you so much and love you uncle ru
TB
Terri Blake
Other •
Russell was such a sweet person & dear friend from school. Till we meet again my dear friend😇
SP
Sonya Pitts
Other •
I will always love you & will never forget. Elena & I miss you everyday.
LO
Leslie Olavarria
Other •
We miss you and love you uncle Ru <3
KM
Kayt McGee
Other •
We will all miss you! Forever a loving father he will be. I'll never forget working with him at A&A.