Comann (“Penn”) Penry Craver Jr., passed away at the age of 82 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem after a courageous but brief battle with cancer on January 21st, 2024. Born on April 28th, 1941, and the son of the late Comann P. Craver and Margaret A. Craver, he attended public schools in Winston Salem and graduated from RJ Reynolds High School in 1959. Thereafter, he graduated from Davidson College in 1963 where he was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi social fraternity and from the University of North Carolina School of Law cum laude in 1966 where he served on the Board of Editors for the North Carolina Law Review and was elected to The Order of the Coif.
Penn is survived by his great love and wife of 59 years Jane K. Craver, his children Brian (Jenny) Craver of Charlotte, Scott (Tonya) of Winston-Salem. He also leaves behind his true pride and joy of five grandchildren: Reynolds (Joanna), Charlotte, CeCe, Ella, and Penn. He also survived by his sister Sylvia Gandy of Mt Pleasant, SC and his nephews Tripp Gandy, Mark Gandy, and Lee Gandy.
Upon graduation Penn served in the US Armed Forces, achieving the rank of Captain. In 1968 he joined the Winston-Salem law firm of Petree Stockton (Now Kilpatrick Stockton), retired in 2007 after 40 years of practice and then joined in forming the trust, tax, and estate firm of Edwards Craver Veach PLLC where he recently fully retired, finishing off a distinguished law career.
Penn cherished his family and friendships, always putting the needs of others first. He had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed spending time at Lake Norman and Atlantic Beach, always happiest with a new project or a tough “workday” with his sons. He was gifted with a sharp mind and grateful heart, often offering simple straightforward solutions to complex issues, greeting all he met with a smile and hearty hello. At times he thought he could dance, but always knew it was Jane who was the true star of the show.
Penn contributed his time and energy to various professional and charitable organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the community. This included the Forsyth County and NC Bar Associations, Winston-Salem Estate Planning Council, UNC Tax Advisory Board, and the Wake Forest Planned Giving Council. He served on several Board of Directors including YMCA, Winston-Salem Jaycees, Winston-Salem Downtown Rotary Club, Junior Achievement, W-S Arts Council, and others. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Forsyth Country Club where he served as a past president and member of the Board of Directors.
A Memorial Service in celebration of Penn’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 300 N Cherry St., Winston-Salem at 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024. Family and friends are invited to a reception immediately following the Service.
Memorials may be offered in lieu of flowers to The Winston-Salem Foundation or the Kate B Reynolds Hospice Home.