Eddie Floyd Croft

Eddie Floyd Croft was born on December 3, 1947, in Morristown, New Jersey to Beatrice and Floyd Croft. As the oldest of three children, he took on his role as big brother to his sister Bobbie Croft and Paul Croft with pride, while cherishing the bond he shared with his older sister, Joyce Ferguson.

A proud graduate of Morristown High School, Eddie excelled in wrestling before pursuing his studies in early childhood sociology at Kentucky State College. With little more than determination, faith, and a dream for a better future, Eddie moved to East Palo Alto. There he worked as a recreation counselor at the Belle Haven Community Campus while completing his education at California State Hayward (now East Bay). His career later took him into the airline industry with Western Airlines, and eventually Eastern Airlines, where a transfer brought him to Houston, Texas. He also worked for US Airways and retired from American Airlines.

It was in Houston, in 1984, that Eddie’s generous spirit shaped the course of his life. When he saw a young woman stranded on the side of the road, he stopped to help. Her name was Stella, and that chance encounter over an empty gas tank became the beginning of a love story. Eddie and Stella were inseparable from that day forward—whether traveling, attending grandchildren's events, cooking together, or Stella cheering him on at bowling tournaments. They married two years later, blending their lives and families into one filled with love and laughter, raising four daughters: Kamesha Dong (Husband, Lonnie Dong), Lakeesha Frazier, Tamara Croft, and Taniesha Croft.

Eddie also had an extraordinary talent for bowling. He competed in countless tournaments over the years and was proudly awarded a ring for achieving a perfect score. His dedication to the sport extended beyond competition—he also served as president of The National Bowling Association (TNBA) Charlotte, NC Chapter, where his leadership and love of the game inspired many.

His love of sports reached even further into the community. Eddie was a passionate basketball coach and a founding member of A.B.L.E. (Athletic, Business, League, East), a youth community basketball league that shaped the lives of countless young boys by teaching not only the game but also teamwork, discipline, and confidence. Whether on the lanes or the basketball court, Eddie inspired others with his dedication, encouragement, and love of the game.

Above all, Eddie was a devoted family man. He was a proud grandfather to Aniya Frazier, Brandon Dong, Sidney Dong, Michael Dong, Jada Lenzy and a delighted great-grandfather to little Jahmarri Frazier. His girls, grandchildren and great-grandson were his pride and joy, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

He had a beautiful singing voice, warm smile, steady presence, and his generous heart will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to share in his life. To honor his memory, may we each carry forward his spirit of kindness in the way we live and love others.

Eddie was preceded in death by his mother, father, his sister, and survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, older sister and his brother.