Obituary of Bradford Hayes Croft

Be it made known to all that Bradford (“Brad”) Hayes Croft of Pensacola, FL passed away on January 21, 2024 at the age of 82 years old. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Yoong Yoong Croft of Pensacola, FL, son Walter F. Croft (Angela, wife) of Alpharetta, GA, daughter Joyce Croft of Los Angeles, CA, grandchildren Ulysses Croft and Tristan Croft (“The Doods”) of Alpharetta, GA, and brother James Croft of Odenville, AL.

Brad was the youngest son of J. Hugh Croft and Jewel Croft of Boaz, AL, and was born on June 24, 1941 in Portsmouth, VA. He graduated from Boaz High School in 1959 and enlisted with the U.S. Navy. Brad was a proud Vietnam War veteran who retired after 20 years in 1979 of service as a Petty Officer 1st Class. During his military career he toured throughout the United States and Asia earning awards and commendations throughout his service. Some of his East Asian duty stations included Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan, where he met Yoong Yoong. Following his retirement from the Navy he worked for the Public Works department at Pensacola Naval Air Station until he retired in 2001.

Brad had a gregarious personality and was known for his kindness. He loved helping neighbors, and in his retirement actively pursued his woodworking hobbies. During his life he used his hands and inherent creativity to solely build many cherished things — he designed and built a china hutch, made numerous home improvements, and a doll house for his daughter which included handmade miniature furniture. In recent years, many friends, businesses, and even strangers, received his hand-carved “ball-in-a-box,” every one of which was a custom-made, unique creation.

As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he taught his family a plethora of life skills and a rugged, oftentimes stubborn, do-it-yourself attitude. His legacy of genuine respect for animals & nature, green thumb (he loved gardening), and curious outlook on the world will be fondly remembered by family, friends, and neighbors.

In his spare time he was a staunch SEC football fan and an enthusiastic and loyal member of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide nation — Roll Tide!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations of money or volunteer activities be dedicated in Brad’s honor to charities that he endorsed, such as, Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project, Easter Seals, and the North Shore Animal League.

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