NEA/DL Capt G. Russell Crofton Jr.

Family-Placed Death Notice

Captain George Russell Crofton, Jr., 71, passed away at home on October 7, 2013, after a brave battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beverly W. and Lt. Col. George Russell Crofton, Sr. He is survived by three children, a son-in-law and three grandchildren, all of Tucker, Georgia: Grayson B. Crofton and daughter Haley; Elizabeth W. Crofton; Sara Crofton Henderson, husband Chris Henderson and sons Sam and Will; and by a sister, Annette C. Cowart of Gainesville, Florida. Russell was born at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1941, and grew up in Coral Gables, Florida. He graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1959 and the University of Florida in 1963. After serving in the Coast Guard and then receiving his pilot's license, Russell flew international cargo planes out of Miami and was later hired by Northeast Airlines. Northeast merged with Delta Airlines in 1968, and Russell embarked upon a distinguished 32-year career with Delta, retiring as a Captain on the MD-11 in October, 2001. For many years, Russell served as an officer with the Airline Pilots Association, International (ALPA). A lifelong fisherman like his father, Russell and his dad began fishing in Franklin County, Florida in 1975 and Russell retired there in 2001. He served on the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners from 2004-2008 and was a member of the Apalachicola/Franklin County Regional Airport Advisory Committee. Russell was known for his sense of humor, his interest in Florida's natural environment, and for being a fan of the Florida Gators. He leaves behind many well-loved friends and relatives; the family wishes to thank two special friends, Susan Gary and Connie Dehner, for their amazing care and support. The family also wishes to thank Big Bend Hospice for their wonderful work and expertise. Russell chose to be cremated, and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Russell's name may donate to one of several organizations that Russell faithfully supported, including the Phi Delta Theta Foundation (www.phideltathetafoundation.org)University of Florida Foundation (https://www.uff.ufl.edu) or Apalachicola Riverkeeper (www.apalachicolariverkeeper.org)

Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Oct. 19, 2013

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=Russell-CROFTON&pid=167596002#sthash.YsXPzCEp.dpuf
 

Update:  We’ve received a note from Captain Crofton’s family expressing their thanks and appreciation to all of you.  Also, we’ve received more information as to Captain Crofton’s final wishes which were to be cremated.  The family writes that there will be a private family memorial service to be held at a later date. “Anyone wishing to make a meaningful contribution in Russell’s name may donate to one of several organizations that Russell faithfully supported, including the Phi Delta Theta Foundation ( www.phideltathetafoundation.org ), or Apalachicola Riverkeeper ( www.apalachicolariverkeeper.org ).”  

For more information you may contact Captain Crofton’s daughter Elizabeth at ewcrofton@yahoo.com 

Thank you everyone,
~ Carol 

From: carol Sent: Monday, October 14, 2013 11:34 PM

Subject: passing of NEA/DL Capt. G. Russell Crofton Jr., age 71

~ IN MEMORY ~

NEA/DL Capt. George R. Crofton

October 31, 1941 ~ October 7, 2013 

Word has been received with news of the passing of NEA/DL Captain 

George Russell Crofton, Jr. (“Russell”), near 72 years of age at the time of his passing.  Captain Crofton joined the airlines 12-02-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines at the mandatory age 60 in 2001, based 031/ATL. 

Captain Crofton had most recently resided at 1232 Sandy Lane, Saint George Island, FL but I believe his mailing address was  

PO Box 105,  Eastpoint  FL 32328-0105   ...   850-927-4143 

Service arrangements are not yet known. 

Additions/corrections to above information is always appreciated!

Thank you,
~ Carol Faulkner, PCN death notice communicatordeath@pilotcommunication.net
http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/

Obituary................

Russell Crofton passed away at his home in St. George Island, Florida, on October 7 after a battle with cancer. After serving in the Coast Guard and later receiving his pilot’s license, Russell began his aviation career with Rich International Airways and Northeast Airlines in Miami. Russell flew for Delta out of Atlanta from 1968 until his retirement on the MD-11 in October 2001. He was promoted to Captain on October 3, 1987 and served on ALPA’s grievance committee for many years. He was a county commissioner in Franklin County, Florida, after his retirement from Delta and spent much time fishing in the Gulf. Russell is survived by three children and three grandchildren, all of Tucker, Georgia.