James Craven (7-21-12)

GILLSVILLE - James William Craven, 91, passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at Brighter Mornings.

He was born in Jefferson, the son of the late Bill and Annie Craven. Mr. Craven was a longtime resident of Hall County and retired from the Hall County Public Works. He was a member of Gillsville Baptist Church. Mr. Craven was preceded in death by his first wife, Mamie Griffeth Craven.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Hayes Craven, Gillsville; daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Jerry Parker, Gillsville; sons and daughters-in-law, Joe and Pamela Craven, Maysville, and Mike and Vickie Craven, Gillsville; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; stepdaughters, Ann Thompkins, Athens, and Sue Whiddon, Jefferson; stepsons, Keith Hayes and Tony Hayes, both of Jefferson; seven step-grandchildren; and twelve step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 24, at 2 p.m. from Gillsville Baptist Church with the Revs. Bill Calhoun and Marshall Dale officiating. Mr. Craven will lie in state from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m. with the interment following in the Midway United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, July 23, from 4 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, make contributions in memory of James W. Craven to the Midway United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 24, Gillsville, GA 30543.

Little-Ward Funeral Home Commerce is in charge of arrangements.