Rico Johnnie

Craft

Rockin'" Rico Johnnie Craft, 68, a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, passed away on November 1, 2026. Born September 1, 1958, Rico lived a life filled with knowledge and an extraordinary love of music.

Music was Rico's greatest passion. He served as a DJ for WTYC from 1974 to 1988 and was known by family and friends as a true music guru. Some would even call him a musical savant. A devoted music historian and collector, Rico treasured all things music, especially records, CDs, and books. More recently, he discovered a new enjoyment in playing bingo.

Rico was also exceptionally gifted academically. He was the salutatorian of the Rock Hill High School graduating class of 1976. Rico attended Winthrop College, where he was a Furman Scholar and an Erskine Scholar, and he received scholarship offers from numerous colleges.

Rico was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Bogan Columbus Craft; his mother, Jean Maria Rossi; his wife, Beckie Craft; and his grandmother, Lucille Rossi, affectionately known as "Mamma."

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Lee Valentine Crowley and her husband, Chris, of York, South Carolina; grandchildren, Sommer Coleman of Marietta, Ohio, and Kayden Langkam of York, South Carolina; brothers, Rossi Jene Craft of Columbia, South Carolina, and Rex Jason Craft and his wife, Dr. Cindy Craft, of Greeneville, Tennessee; sister, Peggy Craft; nieces, Sarah Johnnie Holden (née Craft), and Christine and her husband, Alvaro Gumeta of York, South Carolina; nephew, Rossi Jene Craft Jr.; and great-niece, Shelby Jean Holden; and cousins, Ken and Pam Meredit of Clover, South Carolina and their children Jayla and Jeremiah Phillips.

Rico's knowledge, love of music, and one-of-a-kind personality will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Though he may be gone, the memories he leaves behind will play on in the hearts of those who loved him. There will never be another quite like "Rockin'" Rico.

Service details will be announced soon.

Whitesell Funeral Home is serving the family.