Harley Ray Becraft Jr.
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth: 25 Feb 1972 - New Hanover, NC
Christening:
Death: 3 Mar 2011 - Winnabow, , NC
Burial: 7 Mar 2011 - Long Family Cemetery, , , NC
Cause of Death:
AFN :
Events
• Event, Star News Online, 4 Mar 2011
March 4th, 2011 07:48am• Obituary, www.peacocknewnamwhite.com, 4 Mar 2011
Killed cyclist was riding down the middle of U.S. 17
by Shelby Sebens
A cyclist who was hit and killed after being struck by three drivers on U.S. 17 was riding down the middle of the highway in the dark, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol.
Harley Becraft, 40, was wearing dark clothes and didn't have any lights on as he rode in the middle of the southbound lane of U.S. 17 around 6:54 p.m. Thursday. He was struck by three cars on the highway near Winnabow where the speed limit is 55 mph.
Trooper G.S. Hooks said the drivers were unable to see Bercraft until it was too late.
"They tried to swerve to miss him but they were unable to," Hooks said.
No charges had been filed in the incident as of Friday evening. Hooks said that would be up to the District Attorney's Office.
The accident shutdown the southbound lane for about an hour.
Harley "Ray" Becraft Jr. \endash Winnabow• Event
By Shawna Sanders
Harley Ray Becraft Jr., age 40, of Winnabow died Thursday, March 3, 2011.
Ray was born February 25, 1971 in New Hanover County, son of Harley Ray Becraft Sr. and Judy Long Hinson. He was a member of Town Creek Baptist Church. He enjoyed music, weight-lifting and the outdoors. Ray was a former forestry fireman. He was a great husband, father, son and brother. He was preceded in death by his father Harley Ray Becraft, Sr.
Survivors include his mother Judy Long Hinson and husband Butch of Southport; wife Lisa Becraft of Winnabow; grandmother Mildred Hewett Best of Southport; daughter Nicole Lyn Becraft of Winnabow; two sisters Regina Becraft of Haw River, Elizabeth Lewis and husband Jeff of Southport; nephew Tyler Lewis; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm Monday, March 7, 2011 at Long Family Cemetery with Reverend Tony Rogers officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service in Southport.
Widow of man killed on bicycle on Hwy 17 talks to good Samaritan
Posted: Mar 03, 2011 7:57 PM EST Updated: Mar 08, 2011 12:02 PM EST
Source: Lisa Becraft Source: Lisa Becraft
WINNABOW, NC (WECT) - The widow of Harley "Ray" Becraft has some advice for others.
"Never take anything for granted," said Lisa Becraft less than 24 hours after her husband's death. "Never."
Ray Becraft died Thursday night while riding his bike on Highway 17 in Winnabow. The accident shut down part of the road for hours. Highway Patrol confirmed Becraft was hit while riding in the middle of the road.
"Inside I feel crushed, shattered, completely destroyed, but I know that life goes on," said Lisa Becraft.
She said Ray's bike was the couple's only form of transportation. On Thursday, he was riding home from the Wilmington area where he was trying to get some money for scrap metal when he was hit.
He was wearing a red sweatshirt, but there were no lights on his bicycle. After the first car hit him, two other cars ran over him before a good Samaritan pulled over to help.
"I slammed my brakes and went on the side of the road and ran back over to him and was just trying to wave cars by," said Andrew Bryant, who also lives in Winnabow.
Bryant refused to just drive on by--something that made Lisa want to say, "Thank you."
"I understand that you did something very brave on his behalf. I just wanted to personally thank you for your bravery and your kindness," said Lisa in a phone conversation with Bryant.
Lisa says talking to Bryant is helping her to have closure, strengthen the faith she already feels so strongly, and give her a little hope that there are still people who show compassion for strangers.
"You never give up hope," said Lisa. "You've gotta keep hope alive."
Ray Becraft was 40 years old. There's no word yet on funeral plans. No charges have been filed against the drivers involved.
Parents
Father: Harley Ray Becraft
Mother: Judy Long
Spouses and Children
1. *Lisa Sanderson
Children:
1. Nicole Lyn Becraft