Julian William Craven, Sr

HARLEYVILLE, SC – It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Julian W. Craven, Sr. of Harleyville, SC on November 5, 2022. There will be a memorial service Wednesday, November 9th, at 2pm, First Baptist Church of Harleyville. Family will be available for visitation 1-2pm. Julian was born April 4, 1938 in Charleston, the son of Paul J. Craven, Sr. and Thayer Burk Craven. He attended Charleston schools, joining the Coast Guard Reserve while still in high school. He was active duty in the Coast Guard, serving on lightships. After returning home to Charleston, he worked several years in the trucking transportation industry before joining the Charleston Naval Shipyard until his retirement in 1994. It was during this time that he and Mary Jane moved “to the country,” buying a 100 year old farmhouse, filling it with treasures and antiques. He became a municipal court judge for Harleyville/ St.George area, and relished in being called “The Judge,” before retiring again. He was a member and former commander of the American Legion, and member and former deacon of First Baptist Church of Harleyville. One of Julian’s biggest passions was singing, especially barbershop. He was a founding member of the SC chapter of SPEBSQSA, and sang with various quartets over the years. His last formal quartet was known as “the Bypass Four” —each member had undergone cardiac surgery! Julian is survived by his wife of 63 years, MaryJane; son, Julian Craven, Jr; daughters, Mary Dixon (Jeff), Virginia Marshall (Todd), Laura McGowen (Brendan), Stacy West, and Melissa Connors; brother Dr. Paul J. Craven, Jr (Joye); 11 Grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Skipper. He was predeceased by his parents, sister, Katherine Whaley, and son-in-law, William Connors.The family would like to thank Roper Hospice for their com-passion and care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Harleyville (211 W.Main St, 29448), or South Carolina Wildlife Federation (www.scwf.org). Jules “has crossed the bar."