Croft Jennings Jr.

William Croft Jennings Jr., known to all as Croft, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, surrounded by family and messages of love.

Croft was the son of Rear Admiral William Croft Jennings and Elizabeth Brandon Jennings and grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Virginia, in 1956, Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1960, and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 1963. In June of 1962, he married Ann Richmond of New Canaan, Connecticut. Following law school, the couple spent a cherished year living in London before settling in Columbia, South Carolina. Croft began his professional life working at his father’s law firm, but his passion for architecture, design, and the arts soon drew him in a new direction. He went on to build a career in design-build and real estate development, leaving a lasting mark on the city he loved.

His first major development was Sims Alley, a charming neighborhood of townhomes built on the former site of the Sims Mansion in Shandon. Over the years, often working with various partners, Croft revitalized notable Columbia landmarks, including the renovation of the Depot Building on Gervais Street into offices and restaurants, the transformation of Whaley’s Mill into student housing, and the development of Richmond Walk townhomes near Five Points. He also designed and built his own home, as well as homes for others and lastly created The Village at Woodcreek Farms.

Croft and Ann (“Annie”) shared a full and joyful life in Columbia. Together they helped start Workshop Theatre, supported the Columbia Museum of Art, and stayed active through tennis and golf at Forest Lake Country Club. They raised three children: Tom, Courtney, and Gwendolyn. Croft’s garage rarely held a car; it quickly became his personal woodworking shop that produced many cherished items. He was known for his clever sense of humor, once waking his children and their friends early on a Saturday morning to pile into his beloved VW bus, “Eeyore,” for a drive to watch the odometer roll over to 100,000 miles. His milk punch was legendary at the annual family Cookie Party before Christmas. A lover of fellowship, Croft and Ann hosted countless parties, family gatherings, and game nights; games he mysteriously always seemed to win. Croft was an attentive and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His charm, warmth, and quick sarcastic wit will be deeply missed.

Croft was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Anne Jennings Koenig; and his beloved wife, Ann Richmond Jennings.

He is survived by his son Tom Jennings (Carter) and their children Alex Sayer (Nick), Thacher Jennings (Sophie), Sims Jennings, and Bailey Jennings; his daughter Courtney Jennings (Ken Badois) and her children Ansley and William Bryan; and his daughter Gwendolyn Chestnut (Bobby) and their children Croft and Will. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Jennings and Wills Sayer, Andie and Rodger Jennings.

The family plans to hold a reception at Westminster Canterbury in the Hume Room on Friday, February 6, 2026, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Lynchburg, VA. A burial service will be held at Trinity Cathedral Columbarium in Columbia, South Carolina, on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Westminster Canterbury Foundation Lynchburg, Virginia, by clicking here or to Workshop Theatre in Columbia, South Carolina by clicking here.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.