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Celebrating the life of
Harold W. (Hal) Kraft, III
Passed away on April 21, 2023
Harold Wright “Hal” Kraft III, 62 passed away Friday, April 21st after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. His gentle hand being held by his devoted wife of 41 years Kim, faithfully never wavered from their vows, “In sickness and in health.”
Born on March 20, 1961, to the late Harold Wright “Doby” Kraft, Jr. and Jane Brooks Kraft, he is also predeceased by his daughter Ashlee.
He grew up in Savannah where he truly enjoyed the coastal lifestyle spending time on the water boating and fishing. He was a 1979 graduate of Jenkins High School where he played varsity football, was active in band, and demonstrated academic excellence achieving the highest Math award his senior year. As a freshman at Georgia Tech, he followed in his father’s footsteps pledging Sigma Chi fraternity. He naturally exemplified the three great aims of the brother hood: the cultivation and maintenance of friendship, justice, and learning. A long-time member of the Forest City Gun Club, Hal spent many Wednesday nights nurturing the relationships of dear friends as they shot clays and relaxed over a cold beer. Over the years Hal’s unwavering commitment to his community was evident in his volunteerism to numerous civic organizations including The Kiwanis Club of Savannah, Leadership Savannah, The American Red Cross donating over fifteen gallons of blood, and serving as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and soundboard operator at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church where he was a faithful member. For over a decade he traveled to Appalachia where he spent a week each summer serving on Appalachian Service Project Teams working construction in impoverished areas of Kentucky and Tennessee. In 1983, Hal received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering of Technology. He spent the entirety of his forty-year career dedicated to Hussey Gay Bell where he held many leadership roles rising to Principal and Vice President. Mentoring young engineers, he humbly led by example with patience as he shared his many gifts as a professional. One of his earliest highlights as a young engineer was working on Palmetto Dunes at Hilton Head Island, S.C. alongside Gus Bell. This began the formation of a lifelong professional partnership and trusted personal friendship. At the helm of the Savannah Quarters development for HGB, Hal’s professional expertise was the continuity and guidance for excellence from the very inception through its last stage of completion spanning over thirty years and numerous owners. Kraft Kove, a street bearing his name is evidence of his commitment to this very large and successful project. He held the very unique distinction of being a professional engineer and a registered professional land surveyor. Hal Kraft was a man of exceptional integrity, a quiet soul always eager to share his dry wit who loved his Lord, his family, his career, and the opportunity to serve others. His favorite holiday was St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah. Over the years he enjoyed traveling to numerous Jimmy Buffet concerts, sharing special family vacations in Steinhatchee, Florida, and always a good margarita because it’s always, “5 o’clock somewhere!”
He is survived by his high school sweetheart Kim, son Kyle (Amy) , daughter Emily (Kassie), brother John (Toni), sister Mary (Steve), sister-in-law Kelly (Corky), and brother-in-law Kevin (Angela), his three treasured grandchildren; Ella Brooks, Wright, and Calloway. He will also be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews.
Sarah, Clint, Millie, Gage, Caroline, and Henry along with his personal lap warmer Biscuit a small terrier mix.
The Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service at a reception at the church.
A private burial will be held in Greenwich Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Hal’s memory can be made to Isle of Hope United Methodist Church.
A candle has been lit!
I am so sorry for your loss.
- ERIC G MITCHELL, Savannah , GA
We are so very sorry for your loss. All of the family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Cherie and John Dekle, Savannah , Georgia
Aunt Kimmie, Kyle & Emily, There are no words that can describe or help heal the unimaginable loss & grief that you guys are going through right now. All we can say is we are so very sorry for the loss of such a great man who was an amazing husband, incredible father, and sweet grandfather. He was also Uncle Hal to me. The softest spoken man I have ever known. He may not have said a whole lot but when he did he was so funny. Those eyebrows raising up and down with that BIG jovial laugh that no one else will ever be able to duplicate…he was Uncle Hal. That is how I chose to remember him. I know he was suffering so much lately but what a huge imprint he left on everyone he knew. He was always kind and caring and had the biggest heart. I just wish I could have been a fly on the wall at the gates of heaven when he got to hug his Ashlee once again. That thought makes me smile that the moment he left his broken and sick earthly body he was able to rejoice once again with God and his sweet Ashlee (and so many others that have passed before him). Please let us know if we can help or do anything for you guys that will help to ease this burden for you. Love always, Rick, Amanda & Caleb Redding
- Rick, Amanda & Caleb Redding, Savannah, GA
We are so sad to hear that Hal passed away. We are praying for you and your family. We rejoice in knowing he is in heaven, healed and reunited with Ashlee. Praying for God to comfort you and give you peace during this time of loss.
- John and Vickie Ashley, Savannah , Ga
Kim, we are so sorry to hear of your family loss. Hal was a good man and loved by all, we will keep y'all in our prayers.
- jack and Patsy Helmey, Guyton, GA
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.. Charlotte Hinely
- Charlotte , Sav , Ga
We are so sorry to hear about Hal’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- The Shatto Family, Savannah, Georgia
Kim, Emily, and Kyle, I’m so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers in the days ahead.
- Linda Kotrick, Milledgeville, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. Hal was a good man, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Liberto Chacon, Savannah, GA, Georgia
Kraft family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Hal. He was such a special man, quiet but with such a big heart. He was a father to me and hold such a special place in my heart. While I know he will be missed, I am so thankful that he is in such a special place with so many he loved. While his time on Earth was short, he accomplished a lot in such time. Words cannot express the love and loss, but please know that I am praying for ya'll am always here if you need anything. Luv ya'll!
- Kari McDonald Glisson, Brooklet, Georgia
I have never met someone that was such a genuinely good person, true gentleman like Hal. He always had a smile on his face and a warm welcome. His laugh was infectious. I will truly miss him. My his memory be eternal!
- Leigh Martin, Savannah, GA
I have never met someone that was such a genuinely good person, true gentleman like Hal. He always had a smile on his face and a warm welcome. His laugh was infectious. I will truly miss him. May his memory be eternal!
- Leigh Martin, Savannah, GA
Kim and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Such a loss is so hard to bare. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest in Peace.
- Carolyn Beebe, Savannah, GA
I was very sadden to learn of you loss. Hal's committment to excellence was his trademark. I will remember him fondly. Please accept my condolences. God Bless.
- George Bowen, Savannah, GA
No truer words have been spoken than what is in this obituary. What a pleasure is has been knowing Hal. Sorry I won't be able to make the funeral, I have a prior commitment that day and time.
- Bert Barrett, Jr, Savannah , Georgia
I am saddened to hear of Hal's passing. My late husband, Ted Colby, served for years with Hal on the board of Savannah Georgia Tech Alumni Club. He liked Hal and respected his commitment and dedication to anything he undertook. Prayers for his family's peace and comfort in the days to come.
- Leah Colby Miller, Savannah, GA
Kim , Kyle , and Emily , Sending you love and prayers as we remember Hal and your family. He touched so many hearts, especially the youth at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. What a legacy of love and devotion he left , a true southern gentleman ! May God grant you comfort and peace as you face the days ahead. I know Ashlee was happy to greet her Daddy once again! Lifting you up in prayer, May God be with you all !✝️
- Omie Diane Shuman , Savannah, GA
A better friend was never had!! I am so thankful for the times Rick and Hal shared together and the benefits that our families reaped because of their bond. Our family will cherish each and every moment we spent together and would not trade even one of them for the world. We love you all and look forward to carrying on the traditions in his honor. Till we meet again my friend.
- Rick and Allison Johnston, Savannah, GA
I've worked at City of Savannah Planning & Engineering Dept. for 11 years. Hal was always very nice when he called to speak with one of our engineers. He had a kind voice and he will be missed.
- Brion Ehret, Savannah, GA
We have only known Hal since our daughter married Kyle. At that time we met a loving and caring man. The other comments in these condolences are immediately what we also thought about Hal - Soft spoken and not a lot to say. But when he did - listen. He will be missed at extended family gatherings giving love to his grandchildren.
- Jimmy and Kathy Wells, Acworth, GA
My deepest condolences to you all on the occasion of Hal’s passing. Friends in high school, and throughout the years, we would run into each other, tell quick stories, and have a laugh. Hal was one of the good ones, and he will definitely be missed. Godspeed.
- Garry Nesbit, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry to hear of Hal's passing. You & your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Everett & Karen Owens, Savannah , Georgia
On behalf of the Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia (SAMSOG), please accept our sincere condolences.
- Ginger Jones, Lagrange, GA
Such a wonderful guy who loved his family. I will miss his contagious laughter and his great stories about his children and grandchildren. He loved all of you so much. We will miss him. Such a bright light!
- Diane and Tommy from Christys Barbershop , Savannah , Ga
Our deepest condolences to the Kraft family, we are truly saddened by your loss. Hal was a great neighbor and friend! He would give us fish and haul the trash can for us every week. He never asked for anything in return and was truly a kind soul. May the Lord be with all of you in your time of mourning. Love & Blessings
- Clarence Barnwell & Denise Fields, Savannah, GA
Kim, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hal sure raised the bar for all of us and he will be sadly missed. We will do our best to make him proud.
- Susan Kendryna, Savannah, Georgia
Prayers for peace for the Kraft Family and Friends.
- Jessica Hargrove, Savannah, Georgia
So sorry for your loss and may his memories last forever. RIP Hal
- Pete Chaison, Pooler, GA
Kim, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you & the family. Diane Woods/Sterling Seacrest Partners
- Diane Woods, Savannah, GA
My heartfelt condolences to you Kim, and your lovely family. It was an honor and privilege to be a small part of helping to care for Hal. What a gem he was! Sending you all love and peace.
- Brooks Barnes, RN, Savannah, GA
Kim and family. I am so sorry to hear this. Sending hugs.
- Zelma Sissy Rahn, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Funeral Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Thu, April 27, 2023
- Isle of Hope United Methodist Church
-
412 Parkersburg Road (map)
Savannah GA 31406
- Reception in Fellowship Hall following the Service
- on Thu, April 27, 2023
- Isle of Hope United Methodist Church
-
412 Parkersburg Road (map)
Savannah GA 31406
- A private burial will be held