Joseph "Joe" Craycroft Jr.

Mr. Joseph “Joe” L. Craycroft Jr., 81, resident of High Point, died January 7, 2019 at his home.

Joe was born August 18, 1937 in Louisville, KY, a son to the late Joseph Craycroft Sr. and Virginia Scholl Craycroft.  In 1958 he married his high-school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, the former Fran Elder.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and Lee University (Phi Kappa Psi) in 1959 and shortly after, he and Fran moved together to Greensboro where he accepted a job selling computers for IBM.  In the late 1960s, he accepted a position with MAC Panel, eventually purchasing the company from Adams-Millis and beginning a long career as an entrepreneur and owner of multiple successful businesses.  Joe and Fran have been faithful members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church since moving to High Point in 1962.

Joe was committed to serving his community.   He was active with Rotary International (serving as president of the High Point Club), the High Point Chamber of Commerce (serving as director), the Triad Executive Dialogue (where he was a charter member and chairman), the Maryfield Nursing Home Advisory Board (serving as vice-chairman) and the High Point Partnership.   He also was active with the Arts Council, was a board member of the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival and was a member of the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville society.

Joe was the quintessential family man.   He especially enjoyed the annual family beach trips to Ocean Isle Beach which began in 1960.   He also enjoyed golf, skiing, horse racing and was an avid traveler.  Joe was a passionate sports fan who enthusiastically cheered for his favorite teams including the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Braves.

Surviving is his wife, Fran Craycroft of High Point; five children, Joseph Craycroft, III and wife Marsha of Wallburg, Bob Craycroft and wife Lynn of Apex, Tom Craycroft and wife Ginger of High Point, Suzanne Soltis and husband Ray of High Point and Jeannie Sedberry and husband Anthony of High Point; nine grandchildren, Matt Craycroft and wife Emily, Stephanie Craycroft-Andrews and husband Jonathan, Caroline Cate and husband Matt, Josh and Michaela Craycroft, Bryan and Lauren Soltis, and Trey and Grace Sedberry; a great grandson, Jack and a great granddaughter due in March, Izzie:  siblings; Bill, Sue, Margie, John and Jim.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Reverend Joseph C. Zuschmidt, O.S.F.S. officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church at 1:45 p.m.  The inurnment will be in the church columbarium.  Memorials may be directed to the church, 4145 Johnson St. High Point, NC, 27265 or to Pennybyrn at Maryfield, 109 Penny Rd. High Point, NC, 27260.

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