Tommy Ray Craven

Tommy Ray Craven was born July 21, 1938, to William and Rosa (Robinson) Craven of Anniston, Alabama. He joined the United States Navy in 1956 and concluded his active duty and reserve service in 1968.

On June 3, 1961, he married Carolyn Rose Love.  She was the light of his life and if you knew him, she was not just Carolyn, she was "Rosie".  On June 8, 2025 his world was forever changed when she preceded him in death.  Tommy is respected and loved dearly by his two daughters: Lea Anne (Clifton) Harwell and Tammy Shepherd. 

In 1975, he transferred from Oxford, Alabama to Madison, Georgia with Wellington Leisure Products.  In his time there, he was very well respected as more than just a boss, but as a friend to all who knew him.

Though he held many names, some of which were Tommy, TC, and Daddy, his favorite was Pawpaw.  His first-born granddaughter, Tiffany Harwell Norton (Abram) to him, was just that, Grand.  He was stoic, but he was fun and knew just the right time to crack a joke or blow smoke rings with his cigar smoke. Many years later that title would be shared by adding more grands:  Joseph (Molly) Shepherd and Zachary (Lorie) Shepherd.  The memories were endless and each held a special bond.  Though the title of Pawpaw didn't change, life got great, with great grands: CalliAnne Reinke, Camden Reinke, Zane Norton, Hayes Shepherd, and Landry Shepherd.  He loved each of his many nieces and nephews.  Tommy showed, gave, and lived love to all who he knew.

He was also preceded in death by his parents:  William and Rosa (Robinson) Craven and siblings:  William (Junior) Craven, James (Buddy) Craven, Frank Craven, Frances (Sis) Harbin, and Boyd Craven, Sr.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, March 5, with visitation from Noon until 2 PM at A.E. Carter Funeral Home in Madison.  The celebration of life service will be held at 2 PM in the chapel.  Serving as Pallbearers:  Abram Norton, Joseph Shepherd, Zachary Shepherd, Camden Reinke, and Boyd Lee Craven, Jr.  Honorary Pallbearers:  CalliAnne Reinke and Zane Norton

Interment will follow at the Madison City Cemetery.

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