Obituary - Michael Wayne Craven

Michael Wayne Craven, of Kinston, passed away peacefully June 19, 2019 at the age of 70. Per Mike's wishes no services will be held.

After graduating from Henderson High School, Mike went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At Chapel Hill, he was a member and officer of the Phi Delta Chi fraternity & graduated from the School of Pharmacy.

Following graduation from UNC-CH, Hal Paderick, from Paderick's Pharmacy in Kinston, N. C., offered Mike a job where he worked alongside him for several years. Mike left retail pharmacy and went to work at Caswell Center serving as the Director of Pharmacy for 28 years. While working with the state, Mike was very active in the State Employee's Association of North Carolina, serving as member and officer for many years. Not wanting to retire entirely, Mike returned to retail pharmacy working at Big Value Drugs in the Piggly Wiggly of Richlands, NC. Mike was passionate about all of his customers that he served in the Richlands community.

Mike was very active in Kinston when his children were growing up. He served as a scout leader for Troop 392 and coached for a number of youth basketball, baseball, and soccer teams. Additionally, he volunteered with the Kinston High School Booster Club. He was also a faithful Kinston Indians fan. Mike was a true Blue Tar Heel fan following all UNC-Chapel Hill sports. If there was a Carolina game on, Mike would be glued to the TV with his dog, BB. He also loved to travel - especially to England to experience the local pubs. Mike particularly enjoyed sampling craft beers and spending time at Kinston's own Mother Earth Brewery. The Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville, PA. was on Mike's bucket list which he was able to visit last year. Mike loved his music especially Pink Martini, which he recently attended their concert. He would work the concession stands at the Walnut Creek Pavilion during any Phish concerts.

Mike is survived by his wife Penny of Kinston, his children Hannah Natour (Issam) of Raleigh, NC and Wesley Craven (Amber) of Wilmington, NC, his grandchildren Ryne, Taylor, Payton, and Julian, and his dog BB. Also surviving are his sisters Janice Holland of Henderson, NC and Tena Maddrey (Larry), of Newport, NC and many loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association - North Carolina Chapter.