Charles Henry Craven Jr.

Charlie was born in Sylva, North Carolina to Charles Henry Craven, Sr. and Beryl Atherton Craven and grew up in Clemmons, North Carolina. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and then attended Cosmetology School. Later, Charlie went back to UNCC earning his B.S. in Accounting. He was a Certified Public Accountant. Charlie owned his own hair salon with wife Kaye named Ke-La Hair Fashion in the early 1980’s and then went on to work at Hobbs Crossley Benefield and Craven eventually becoming a full partner. He worked at HCBC from 1994 - 2024.

Charlie met his wife, Kaye of 48 years at Fred Astaire dance studio in the 80’s. They absolutely loved ball room dancing. Going dancing on New Years Eve was the highlight of their holiday season.

Charlie attended Sharon Baptist Church, was a member of AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), NCACPA (NC Association of CPAs), and a member Point Blank Gun Club He also had his pilot’s license.

Charlie loved shooting guns and sharing his knowledge of guns with friends and family. He was a history buff and enjoyed the History Channel. He loved to read and could finish novels in record time. Was a fantastic cook (he made the best deviled eggs and homemade ice cream and everyone raved about his banana pudding). Enjoyed old Westerns, talking politics, riding his Harley with dear friends and family. A Christmas Story was one of his all-time favorite movies to binge at Christmas. Charlie had a wealth of knowledge, you could ask him how to spell any word and give the definition and he’d have it right off the top of his head, not to mention anything related to tax law was always ready on the tip of his tongue, anything you could ever want to know about guns or cars, Charlie was an encyclopedia of knowledge. You rarely saw Charlie out of a suit, wore it 5 days a week for work and of course every Sunday for church, always looking his best. The last few months of his life his most favorite thing in the whole world was going out to his stepson’s property to shoot his guns, fish and just sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.

The final months of Charlie’s life found him under the care of Hospice and Home Instead. You could not ask for a more loving and caring group of caregivers not only giving the best possible care to Charlie, but also taking such good care of his family and friends who visited with him often. They were truly a blessing to all.

Charlie is survived by; his beloved wife Kaye Kiser Craven, sister, Cheryl Craven Scharff, brother, David Craven (Sally), nieces, Leigh Scharff Epps, nephews, David Casteel Craven and James Atherton Craven, Stepsons Chuck Kiser (Lisa) and Dwayne Kiser (Cristie), Stepdaughter Liz Catoe. Step granddaughters Amanda Kespohl and Sara Kespohl (Chris) and step grandsons Jeremy Kespohl, and Justin Kiser (Jessica) and numerous step great grandchildren. Charlie also leaves behind coworkers and clients and friends who were just like family. Charlie was preceded in death by his niece Adrienne Scharff Rossignol and his step grandson, Winston Kiser.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Sharon Baptist Church in his memory would be appreciated.