Eli Kravitz, 98, died Sunday, October 19, 2014. Born in Brooklyn, NY on June 4, 1916; he was the youngest child of Harry and Rose Pruzan Kravitz. Eli traveled to southeastern North Carolina for the first time when he was 13 and fell in love with the rural communities. Ten years later, while stopping at a farmhouse in Ash for supper, he met the love of his life, Jeanne Canady. They were married on their second date, October 17, 1940.
While Eli served in WWII, Jeanne lived and worked in New York for a time. When the war ended, Eli and Jeanne returned to North Carolina and started a furniture and appliance business in Shallotte. In the 1970’s, they relocated to Cary, NC and occasionally lived in Kinston, NC to be closer to their son, Robert Alan, who resided at the Caswell Center.
Eli was a man with a remarkable memory. If you met him once and saw him fifteen years later, he would know who you were and ask about all your family members. He loved geography, history and spoke several different languages. He enjoyed knowing where people were from and how their families spread out across the United States. Blessed with the entrepreneurial spirit, he was a successful businessman, but his greatest quality was his good heart. With Jeanne by his side, they provided groceries for the elderly, clothes for children in need, and financial support for those forgotten in society. It was a part of their lives, no fanfare, just compassion and understanding that making a difference began with their own lives.
His parents, siblings, wife and son predeceased Eli. He is survived by his daughters, Deborah K. Miller (Jerry), of Cary, NC and Patsy L. Popa of Raleigh, NC; son-in-law: Mean J. Loo. Grandchildren include: Fran M. Moses (Chad), Jerry H. Miller, Jr., (Jennifer) and Ethan Y Loo. Great-Grandchildren include: Jacob D. Moses and Skye O. Moses. Also surviving are a special nephew and his wife, Alvin and Brenda Kravitz and a close personal friend, Lisa Crabtree.
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The family would like to thank the staff of Peak Resources for their care of Mr. Kravitz during the past two years and the dermatology staff at the VA Hospital in Durham, who cared for him for many years.
Family will receive friends on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 2-3 pm at Apex Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held immediately following the visitation at Apex Cemetery, with family to receive friends afterwards at the home of Jerry and Deborah Miller.
Memorial contribution in his memory may be made to the Covenant Christian Church - 2911 SW Cary Pkwy, Cary, NC 27513.
Condolences to the family at www.ApexFuneral.com
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