Cleveland Charles Croft age 64, of Cottontown went to his Heavenly home on Friday, December 13, 2024. Cleveland was born on February 1, 1960 at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina to William “Bill” and Juanita Croft while his father was serving in the United States Marine Corp.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Keith Gabehart.

Cleveland is survived by his wife of 34 years, Becky Gabehart-Croft of Cottontown, TN; children, Rebekah Croft of Columbus, OH and Isaiah Croft of Cottontown, TN; foster-in-love daughter, Mackenzie Johnston of Nashville, TN; brother, Rev. Jeffrey T. (Peggy A.) Croft of Adrian, GA; mother-in-law, Rebecca D. Gabehart of Bowling Green, KY; dogs, Martin, Levi, Little bit and Mary.

Cleve was always a lover of sports. At the age of two Cleve broke his arm when he was running home after the “bigger boys” would not let him play baseball with them. At age three the family moved to Fort Lauderdale FL. In his school years he loved playing in the rec-league baseball team. His first job was as a dishwasher then short order cook for the Sambos restaurant chain. From there he worked as the manager of the parts department for Hamid Imports in Fort Lauderdale Fl. (An independent Mercedes Benz dealer and garage.) While working with Hamid Imports Cleve moved to St Petersburg FL to help start a new shop on that side of the state. The event that changed his life was the invitation to move to Nashville TN to work in the Audio Video Staff at Trevecca Nazarene College (now University). While serving in this position Cleve found the love of his life, Becky Gabehart. They met at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene, and married there July 28, 1990. Cleve was a devout Christian. His relationship with Jesus was an important part of his life. Joining the Church of the Nazarene in Fort Lauderdale as a child he always found a place to worship and serve. After resigning from Trevecca he freelanced with Blackhawk Audio. During this time, he received his CDL, traveled with bands and artists, running sound for the performance, and driving the gear from venue to venue. One of his favorite tours was with CeCe Winans and The Katinas. He then worked at Trinity Broadcasting Network in Hendersonville in their audio-visual department, running the front of house monitors during productions. He began driving for Averitt Express in January of 2013. In addition to Nashville First Church of the Nazarene church homes included Goodlettsville Church of the Nazarene, Gallatin Church of the Nazarene, Living Springs Church of the Nazarene, White House First United Methodist Church, McKendree United Methodist Church, and now, Regeneration Nashville. He volunteered by running sound and in children’s church and children’s Sunday school. Cleve never hesitated to help others. From driving to the mountains of East Tennessee with a trailer full of toys for children in need to helping care for rescue dogs. Beginning in 2011, the family started fostering for the Department of Children’s Service in Sumner County. He was a father to over 100 foster children throughout his lifetime.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 20th at 11:00 AM from the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville. Interment will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, KY with Jonathan Croft, Bill Tuttle, Patrick Clemens, Michael Stinson, Dwayne Christians and Mike McGlothlin serving as pallbearers. Visitation with the family will be at the funeral home on Friday, December 20th from 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM.

Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville, 108 Monthaven Blvd., Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075. (615)265-8535 obit line (615)758-8818. Online condolences can be made at www.sellarsfh.com.