James “Larry” Ashcraft, 72, of Bratt, Fla., went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 19, 2014, in Tallahassee, Fla.

He was born in Atmore on June 20, 1942, but was raised in Pensacola, Fla. He resided in Bratt, Fla., for over 30 years. Larry retired from OSHA. He loved and promoted southern gospel music. He sang lead and harmony with the Samaritans and The Gospel Melody Quartet for years. He also wrote several gospel songs. He was well known for his warm and friendly personality.

He was preceded in death by his two sons, James Robert “Robby” Ashcraft and Aubrey Nicholas “Nick” Ashcraft; his parents, the Rev. Aubrey H. and Agnes V. Wiggins Ashcraft; and one brother, Aubrey Kenneth Ashcraft.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Christine Hawthorne Ashcraft; a daughter, Kay (Brad) Cook; five grandchildren, John Wesley Cook, Travis Ashcraft, James Randall Ashcraft, Felicia Ashcraft and Misty Ashcraft Hamilton; his sister, Jean Knowles; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. from the Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church in Bratt, with the Rev. J.T. Guyton and the Rev. Ken Johnson officiating. Burial followed in Godwin Cemetery in Bratt. Visitation was held Monday, Sept. 22, from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church.

Pallbearers were Terry Knowles, Rusty Knowles, Kenny Ashcraft, Kevin Ashcraft, David Wilson and Johnny Hawthorne.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc., was in charge of arrangements.