William Craven Mangum, 91, danced through Heaven’s Gates on January 9th, 2026. He was born on November 21, 1934, to William Parks Mangum and Lucille Hinson Mangum. Craven was a lifelong resident of Monroe NC, where he graduated from Union High School and Queen’s College. He served in the US Army, stationed in both Korea and Japan and then went on to a 12-year tenure in the Army Reserves. He worked the majority of his life in the textile business at Singer Knitting and then retired from Vanguard Supreme. His to-do list at retirement was completed after about 2 weeks and then went into sales at both Monroe Motor Company and Griffin Motors in Monroe. This second retirement lasted about two days, and he took up the job of as a courtesy driver for Griffin Motors and then, Metro Honda where he met hundreds of locals in Union County.

Craven was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ruth McClellan Mangum and his oldest son Mike. He is survived by his youngest son, Jeff Mangum (Sherri) of Waxhaw, grandchildren Christy Riddell of Mebane, NC (Tony), Josh Mangum (Leha) of Matthews, NC, Colby Mangum of Orlando, FL and Katie Tyndall (Cadan) of Wrightsville Beach, NC and four great grandchildren, Ethan, Bryson, Katelyn and Joseph.

Craven’s favorite pastime for the past decade was dancing. The highlight of his week was the anticipation of Friday and Saturday night dances in venues across the state. A special recognition and THANK YOU goes to the patrons and his friends of Croghan Country in Mount Croghan, SC, that became his second family. He loved each of you and couldn’t wait ‘til the next dance. Because of his faith in Christ, he is now dancing on streets of gold!

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14th in Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 Noon until 1:45 PM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Mangum Family.