E. Franklin Croft, 81, of Dade City went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was born to Drew and Lucille Croft on January 27, 1943. Franky was taught to fish by his grandmother at the age of 4, and that became one of the things he enjoyed throughout his life. He started driving a tractor at the age of 8. Raised on a farm outside of Dade City, he and his family raised crops and animals alike and continued that tradition later in his life for many years. Croft Farms produced some of the finest produce anywhere, and customers would come from miles away to buy it. He raised greens, squash, beans, onions, and tomatoes, but he was best known for his sweet corn and cane syrup. Franky made a profession of faith and was baptized at the age of 10 at the First Baptist Church in Dade City. He was ordained as a deacon at that church later in life and served in many positions. He directed the choir in the First Baptist, First Methodist and Northside Baptist churches. He also sang in the choirs since he was four years old. Franky graduated in 1961 from Pasco High School and then graduated from Florida Christian College in 1965. In 1966, he married his wife Carole Ann Sumner and they spent 51 beautiful years together. From 1966 to 1972, Franky proudly served in the United States Army National Guard. In 1979, he opened Croft's Coin Laundry and served as Vice President of the Coin Laundry Association for the state of Florida. He was a hardworking man with many titles. He owned and operated a long-distance trucking company. He was an equipment operator for Pasco County where he ran a loader, grader, and dragline among other equipment. Franky was also a loyal employee of Withlacoochee River Electric for 32 years as an accountant. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially when he was able to do it with friends and family. He started The Southerners Gospel Quartet along with three friends and represented the First Baptist Church all over the state. Franky was preceded in death by his parents: Drew and Lucille Croft; wife: Carole Sumner Croft and granddaughter: Rhea Croft. He is survived by his two sons: Mark (Brenda) of Pinellas Park, FL and Clark (Lynda) of Vinton, VA; his daughter: Laura (Lyle) Freijo of Dade City, FL. He is also survived by his brother: Darwin Croft of Dade City, FL; eight grandchildren: Ashli, Kira, Franky, Kacie, Jacob, William, Carter and Alex; and three great-grandchildren: Aadrien, Elias and Lyla. Franky was loving father and amazing grandfather who enjoyed passing on his knowledge and faith. He never met a stranger and enjoyed talking with people wherever he went. His legacy of strength and determination will always be an inspiration to everyone who knew him. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City, Florida. Friends and family may arrive at 9:00 a.m. prior to service on Saturday. Visitation will take place on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Those desiring to remember Franky with a donation, in lieu of flowers, are asked to consider PanCan or Moffit. Photo Album Visitation Friday, April 5, 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City) 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Funeral Service Saturday, April 6, 2024 9:30 AM Hodges Family Funeral Home 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525