Raymond Alvin Craven
Brice Herndon Funeral Chapels and Crematory
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
Raymond Alvin Craven, peacefully entered into his heavenly home surrounded by his loving family on August 5, 2021. He was 73 years old.
Raymond lived his life in Walterboro, SC. He was married to his wife of 52 years, Irene Leal Craven, and together they had three children, Angela Murdaugh (Robbie), Raymond “Andy” Craven (Lisa), and Alison Stanfield (Allen). He was “the best Papa ever” to his nine grandchildren, Brandi Johnson (Victor), Tyler Crosby (Brittany), Chandler Crosby (Taylor), Dalton Craven, Julia Craven, Taylor Strickland, Brad Strickland, Emery Stanfield, Hollis Stanfield; and seven great-grandchildren, Michael Johnson, Landen Johnson, Asher Johnson, Alaina Johnson, Emma Crosby, Blake Crosby and Graycen Crosby, who were all his pride and joy!
He was one of seven children to his late parents, Lloyd Esdorn Craven and Annie Lou Carson Craven. He is also preceded in death by his older brother, Robert Craven; and two older sisters, Gladys Walker and Beatrice Easterlin.
In addition to his wife and children, Raymond leaves behind his older brother Joe Ben Craven (JoAnn); his younger sister, Gloria Langdale; and his younger brother, Rusty Craven (Paula); his dedicated friend and cousin, Buddy Craven, who would spend most Sunday afternoons visiting and talking for hours about their favorite subject - farming. Even after the cancer took Raymond’s voice, Buddy would still come just to sit beside him. Raymond also leaves behind his life-long friends, Brenda Steele and her son, Eric Steele, whom he treated like his own; his friend and brother-in law, George Walker; his faithful friend and helper, Tommy Dandridge; and his loving pastor and neighbor, James Baker and his wife, “Doctor” Sherry, who would always rush over to help care for Raymond throughout his cancer battle. He also leaves many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Raymond loved telling exaggerated stories of his childhood. Like the one of how he had to “walk miles barefoot in the snow to school, uphill both ways.” His legendary stories of how tough he was, have been carried on for many years by his many nephews.
As a younger man, Raymond proudly served 11 years in the Army National Guard before spending the extent of his career as a self-employed residential contractor. He took great pride in his craft and worked alongside his right-hand-man and son, Andy, whom he started taking to work with him at the young age of 7. Together, they built many homes in the lowcountry until his retirement in 2010. He was a devoted member of Welch Creek Baptist Church.
Raymond was a great friend to many, and he would selflessly give his time to help others. He was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends which is why he enjoyed hosting big dinners at their home. He was especially known for his annual Christmas morning breakfast when he packed their home with family and close friends to ensure that none of them were alone on Christmas morning. He was also known as “Papa” to all of the children at Little Bloomer’s Preschool. He would always make sure the children had popsicles to eat in the summer and provided a fun hayride at the preschool’s annual Fall Festival.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Roper Saint Francis Cancer Center in memory of Raymond A. Craven. Contributions can be mailed to the Roper Saint Francis Cancer Center in care of the Roper St. Francis Foundation, 125 Doughty Street, Suite 790, Charleston, SC 29403.
The Celebration of Life service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, August 14, 2021 at The Welch Creek Baptist Church Tabernacle. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive guests starting at 11:00am.
From the children of Raymond & Irene: We would like to extend our immense gratitude for the many donations of food and love offerings that have been sent to our parents throughout the last year and a half - and especially within the last two weeks. The generosity that has been shown to our family is overwhelming and will never be forgotten.
We would also like to extend our greatest thanks to Daddy’s wonderful oncologist, Dr. Matthew Beldner, who stopped at nothing to extend Daddy’s life with us as long as possible. We really appreciate Dr .Beldner’s exceptional level of care and knowledge in helping provide the best quality of life for him. A special thanks also goes to the staff at St. Francis Hospital and the Roper Saint Francis Cancer Center for always providing the most compassionate care to Daddy throughout his cancer battle. We would also like to thank the staff of Amedisys Hospice Care, especially his nurse, Jenna Jones, for also ensuring complete comfort in the final days. We will be forever grateful for everyone’s acts of kindness throughout this difficult season of our lives.
ARRANGEMENTS BY: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.
