Gary Crafton

Gary Lynn Crafton passed away at his home in Water Valley, MS, on August 01, 2025. Gary was born on July 05, 1953, to the late Walter and Jeanette (Logan) Crafton. He attended school at John Rundle High School in Grenada, MS, until it burned down when he was a sophomore, and then graduated from Grenada High School in 1972.

After High School, Gary worked in the local grocery store's meat department. There, he learned that he would like to find more in life than chopping meat. Gary then started scouting cotton, where he became interested in farming. He decided to go to college for a degree in agriculture. Gary started at Holmes Community College and then went on to graduate from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. He went to work for the USDA, where he would find a career in Farm Services. Gary served as President of MACOE from 1988 until 1989.

Gary was an outdoorsman, sportsman, fisherman, and an avid hunter. Turkey Hunting was his favorite of all outdoor activities. He genuinely loved just being in the woods with these beautiful creatures and talking to them with his different calls, and of course, bringing home a trophy kill. Gary was even a founder of Tillatoba Creek Hunting Club and once held the state record for Wild Turkey. He also enjoyed music and playing the guitar.

Gary was a man who truly enjoyed life, maintaining positivity no matter what was going on around him. He amazed his family with the way he could keep smiling, never falling into depression or worry. Gary smiled even on his deathbed and kept a positive attitude to the very end of his life.

Visitation is planned for Wednesday, August 06, 2025, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Services will immediately follow at 1:00 PM in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Rev. Haskel Rhodes officiating.

Gary is survived by one son, Brad (Julia) Crafton; one sister, Patricia (Jimmy) Treloar; nieces, Chelsea Crafton (Andrew Brininstool), Jenna (Nic) Ehrke; nephews, Jeff (Tricia) Treloar, Steve (Christi) Treloar, Levi Crafton, and Reed Crafton; two grand-nieces, and two grand-nephews.

Along with his parents, Gary is preceded in death by his two brothers, Tommy and Glenn Crafton.