James Richard Craven

James Richard Craven, best known by his friends and music fans as “Rick” and better known by his 7 siblings, family and many childhood friends as “Ricky”, passed away at his home, in his sleep while resting on Wednesday in the later afternoon of April 1st, 2020. He will be missed by many but was loved by more and his wit and music will live on in our hearts forever. A special thanks to Anna for being there.

Due to COVID-19, we are unable to have a memorial service for Rick at this time. We will be planning one at a later date once we are cleared to do so. Please see Rick’s Facebook page for updates and information on the service. Friends and family, please feel free to share any memories or thoughts of Rick with us. Rick had asked no frills, flowers or fuss. He asked that his body be donated to science to further the education of Rheumatoid Arthritis, but unfortunately we were unable to fulfill his request but, if you would like to do something for Rick, we ask that you make a donation to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.

Rick was born in Cairo, GA on July 25th, 1958 to Katie Louise Austin Craven and Luther Edison Craven who proceeds him in death. He was raised in the country poor but was loved lavishly by his family. Rick and his brother, Eddie had a love for music at a very young age. The family found memories of their homemade instruments made from pie plates tied together with bottle caps for tambourines and sticks with twine from his daddy’s work box for string making a guitar along with buckets of different sizes filled with sand and water (possibly moonshine, lol) for drums. Employing the oldest sister, Brenda to be the 3rd, of a 3-man band and me as the back-up singer while singing “Proud Marry”, on our way to open pond in the back of our daddy’s old rusty pick-up truck for a summer swim. One day in his high school years, he came home with an old guitar with 3 strings and that is where he began his music career. Self-taught, he managed to blossom into a full-time musician for the rest of his life. Rick graduated from Central High School in 1976. He was an active member of the Debate Club where he did exceptionally well, winning many awards. If you knew Rick well, you would know how this can be true. He had a unique whit and always had a saying just for you. He would also, always refer to the things Grandma and Mama may have said to us growing up. Rick moved to Dothan, AL in 1981 where he serenaded many and made abundance of friends who called him “The Human Jukebox” (because he knew every sound that they would request) and played everything from bars, local town gatherings, weddings, funerals, and even charity events to help raise money. Rick’s love for music reflected so brightly on many, especially a particular loved one, his only grandchild, William “Will” Baillargeon who shares the same love of music and will be pursuing a major in music at Valdosta State University this fall. Which leads to Holly, Rick’s only child. Holly was the light of his life that he loved so much. At a young age, Holly became ill and passed away. We all rest easier knowing that Rick and Holly are together again. Holly along with his Grandmother, Katie Margret Austin (whom was his rock and always supported and encouraged him to pursue his dream) also proceeds Rick in death.

Rick was raised with 7 siblings, 4 sisters, Brenda Lambert of Arkansas, Carol Brettel of Thomasville, GA, Marty Creel of Coolidge, GA, and Machell Luke of Thomasville, GA and 3 brothers, Eddie Craven of Thomasville, GA, Derek Craven of Arkansas and David Craven of Thomasville, GA, 2 cousins that were also a steady fixture in our home, Michael “Mike” and Mitchell “Mitch” Stanaland and was loved and cherished by his Aunt Jean Shepard of Hartsford , AL, whom was like a mother to him, and a niece, and the best friend to his daughter Holly, whom he had a special bond with, Chasity Henson of Pavo, GA, And a loving girlfriend of 10 years, Anna Muldoon of Dothan, AL along with many nieces and nephews.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604