Joseph Anthony "AMPBONE" Craven

Mr. Joseph Anthony "AMPBONE" Craven, age 61 of Pittsboro, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC.

An impact player on and off the field and court this father, grandfather, brother, uncle, athlete and friend, touched the lives of so many people. Life may end but memories and legacy never die.

Joseph Anthony Craven, affectionally known as “AMPBONE” entered the game in Orange County on January 10, 1965, to the late Carl and Mattie Craven. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, he took his last at bat and made a homerun into Eternity.

A 1984 graduate of Northwood High School, AMPBONE was a three-sport letterman with the urging of Mr. Jim Springle. He excelled in football, basketball and baseball earning all-conference honors in all three sports. As an avid baseball player, he also earned All-State honors for his performance on the field. He was then granted a full scholarship to Elon College. In 2017, AMPBONE was a member of the first class of athletes to be inducted into the Northwood High School Hall of Fame. He was a big sports fan and enjoyed watching games with his friends.

In 1994, AMPBONE hit a home run with the birth of his only daughter Brittany. She was the Love of his Life, and she loved her Daddy dearly. Brittany then hit a grand slam and gave AMPBONE a grandson, Easton. He was a proud grandfather and Easton was the apple of his eye.

Waiting in the stands watching his final pitch on the mound were his parents, Carl and Mattie and his sister Yvonne Craven who preceded him in death. AMPBONE will be greatly missed by his daughter, Brittany (TJ) and grandson Easton.

His brother Larry (Carla), niece Crystal, uncle Steve (Yvonne) and a host of nephews and great nieces will cherish many memories. AMPBONE will always be in the thoughts of all his boys, extended family and friends.

Philosopher William James once said, “Your legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you create in the lives of others.” A father, grandfather, brother, uncle, athlete and friend…AMPBONE’S legacy has and will continue to make an impact on the lives of others.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Pittsboro, NC