James Eddie Crayton, Sr.

Deacon James Eddie Crayton, Sr., affectionately known as “Bob,” was born on June 11, 1935 in Leary, Georgia to the late Jack C. and Hattie Lou Clark Crayton. He was the youngest of five children. Bob was raised on a farm, helping his paternal grandfather, Joseph “Shoat” Crayton, and family produce sugar canes, molasses, pecans, and other agricultural products. He also grew up in the Calhoun County School System, attending school at St. Peters A.M.E. Church in Leary. In 1956, Bob moved to Mount Dora, Florida and briefly resided there before settling permanently in Orlando. Bob worked a total of 49 years, driving semi-trucks all over the U.S. for 6 different trucking companies. With strong work ethics, he drove millions of miles safely and responsibly across the U.S., southern Canada, and northern Mexico, receiving many awards and accolades. Humorously, due to his profound knowledge of the US highway system, family and friends would call Bob for directions for successful road trips. He officially retired in 2009 but did lawn maintenance services and other minor works until he was beckoned to rest. During his spare time, Bob loved fishing, traveling (mostly to Georgia), attending family reunions, singing gospel songs, and spending valuable time with family and friends. He also loved to “dress in style” for many occasions with most festivities related to church. In 1960, Bob became a new member, received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, and was baptized in Jesus Name, under the leadership of Elder Leroy and Alberta Wade Jacobs, Founders and Pastors of the Word of God Pentecostal Holiness Church, Inc. Two years later, during the Florida State (District) Council in New Smyrna Beach, he was ordained a deacon by the (National) Presiding Bishop, Samuel J. Grimes, of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.), Inc. Bob served faithfully as a deacon for many decades at the Word of God Church. In 1999, he later attended the Apostolic Worship Center under Founder and Senior Pastor, Bishop Frank E. Thompson. In addition to serving as an ordained deacon, Bob served as a member of the former singing group, the Men of Judah, of the church’s facilities and maintenance team, and of the van driving team. Once when the Lord healed him from cancer, Bob testified of and celebrated his healing with the church family much to their joy and excitement. While he lived life to the fullest, his presence certainly will be missed by all who loved and knew him. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the afternoon, Bob was surrounded by family and welcomed to eternal rest by his Heavenly Father. In addition to his parents, Bob’s siblings (and their spouse): Eddie Mae Walton (Freddie James), Lucy Mae Perry (Willie, Sr.), Leola “Debe” Jones, and Charlie Will Crayton, Sr. (Ora Mae), and two of his sons: Donald Edward and Gerald Keith Crayton, all preceded him in death. He leaves behind heartfelt and loving memories to his children: Larry Crayton, Sr., James Crayton, Jr. (Lenore), Billy Crayton, Sr. (Wylecia), all of Orlando, Florida; Naomi Crayton-Brown of Lake Mary, Florida; Andrae Crayton (Lydia) of Winter Garden, Florida; Javonda Crayton-Skinner and Shanathan Crayton of Atlanta, Georgia; Gary Newton, Sr. (Patricia) of Tallahassee, Florida; twins, Cheryl Palmer (Tonia) of Miami, Florida and Daryl Palmer of Orlando, Florida; one close brother-in-law and friend, LC Jones of Orlando, Florida; one uncle, Jethro Clark of Wabasso, Florida; one aunt, Ida Mae Williams of Clearwater, Florida; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, the Worship Center Church Family and many other sorrowing relatives and friends.

Tributes

James Eddie Crayton, Sr.

June 11, 1935 - July 26, 2025