Mather "Jake" Cravey Sr.

January 17, 1935 - February 2, 2020

Mr. Mather Jake Cravey, Sr., age 85, of Cross City, Florida passed away at his home on Sunday, February 2, 2020.  Jake was born in McCray, Georgia on January 17, 1935 to Mather and Velma Cravey. He graduated from Green Cove Springs High School in Green Cove Springs, Florida in 1953. In 1957 he completed training with the Florida Highway Patrol.  Jake's first assignment was with Group B, Northern Division of the FHP, stationed in Cross City, FL. There he met and married his wife, Mary Jo Dempsey. He retired from the Highway Patrol in 1982 In 1980 Jake responded to God's call to the ministry.  He enrolled in Luther Rice Seminary, Jacksonville, FL and graduated in May, 1983.  His first call was as Pastor of Rock Sink Baptist Church in Old Town, FL. During his years in the ministry, he pastored several churches in the area.  From 1997 to 2001 Jake served as Director of Missions for the Lafayette Baptist Association. In 2010, due to health issues, he retired from pastoring. Jake was preceded in death by his parents (Mather & Velma), and his three children:  Mather (Matt) Jake Cravey, Jr. (Maureen), William David Cravey (Donna), Mary Elizabeth Cravey Sheheane, and his first grandson,  Michael Cravey. Jake is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Jo Cravey, and his grandchildren, L.B. Cravey (Kelsey); Nicholas Cravey (Cally); David Cravey (Lesley); Jake Cravey (Kristina); Sarah Sheheane Parrish (Tyler); David Sheheane (Felicia); daughters in-law,  Maureen Cravey and Donna Cravey; great grandchildren, Adelaide, Roslyn, Ava, Tripp, Luke, Lilly, and Chase. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, Cross City, FL on 2:00 PM Thursday, February 6, 2020, with Bro. Mike Brown officiating. A graveside service will follow at Rock Sink Baptist Church Cemetery, Old Town, FL, with Bro. Al Paulson officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in Cross City Wednesday evening from 5 – 8 PM. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City, Florida 352-498-5400 and Chiefland, Florida 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com