Mr. Richard Nelson "Poppy" Craft, 86, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Atrium Health - Cleveland.

Nelson was born on February 16, 1940 in Gaston County, NC a son of the late Wayne C. Craft, Sr. and Edna Sellers Craft. He was owner of Crafty Cleaners and Ballard Street Laundromat. Nelson was a loving Poppy and loved being around his family and friends. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era and was a member of Cherryville American Legion Post 100.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, David Wayne Craft and a sister, Frances Mayhew.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Sandy Craft of the home; two sons, Richard Craft (Amanda) of Sunset Beach; Rocky Painter (LeNita) of Cherryville; a daughter, Cathy Hager (Ricky) of Bessemer City; Sissy Craft, who was like a daughter; five grandchildren, Jessica Clark (Aaron), Dylan Craft (Laura), Kellie Shuford, Macie Hipps (Chris), Jesse Painter (Frankie); three great grandchildren, Levi, Fisher and Charlie; a sister, Debra Lord (Dale) of Cary; a brother, Pete Craft (Reba) of Cherryville.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00PM on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at The Barn at Cedar Lake Farm, 126 Cedar Lake Farm Road, Cherryville, NC 28021 with the Rev. Randy Heffner officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to Cherryville American Legion Post 100, 215 S. Pink Street, Cherryville, NC 28021.

A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family.