Raymond Glenn McCrary, age 98, died peacefully on September 7, 2020. Born August 3, 1922, he was a lifelong resident of Whistler and Eight Mile, AL. Mr. Ray was a proud WWII Veteran and served as a Navy SeaBee in the South Pacific. His crew built the runway on Tinian Island where the Enola Gay took off to deliver “the bomb.” As a civilian, he worked as a truck mechanic and dispatcher for Rebel Oil Company (later known as TCR). His hobbies included using his blacksmithing and woodworking skills. He was an avid deer hunter and spent lots of time with his friend and nephew, Dr. Charles Clevenger. He left a strong legacy of integrity, honesty, and hard work and was a master at repairing motors and recycling before it was a trend. He had a creative flair and that is evident by treasures gifted to family members and friends. He was a true family man and took care of his parents until their deaths. He was a former member of Myers Memorial Baptist Church and a recent faithful member of Shadowlawn Baptist Church. Mr. Ray never met a stranger, had many friends and was always willing and available to give assistance when needed.
He is survived by 3 daughters: Janet Biggs (Steve), Becky Middleton (Gary), Lee Anne Jackson (Robby) and 9 grandchildren: Andrew Biggs (Adaina), Mollie Thomas (Jason), Keith Middleton (Jennifer), Adam Middleton (Jennifer), Josh Hammons (Carrie), Mindy Russell (Jody), Maggie Helton (Brandon), Holly Doggette (Jeremy) and Blake McCrary, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family is especially grateful to Linda Parker for her faithful and dedicated caregiving.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 71 years, DeLois Dossett McCrary, his son Ray McCrary, Jr., an infant granddaughter, Haley Suzanne McCrary, his only sibling, James Lee McCrary, and his parents, Minnie Lee and James Glenn McCrary.
A visitation for Raymond will be held Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, Alabama 36571. A celebration of life will occur Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Indian Springs Cemetery, 4291 Lott Rd, Eight Mile, Alabama 36613. Reverends Gary Middleton and Derrall Marshall will officiate.
Serving as pallbearers are Andrew Biggs, Keith Middleton, Josh Hammons, Jody Russell, Jeremy Doggette, and Jason Thomas.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mr. Ray McCrary’s memory to: Shadowlawn Baptist Church, 5665 Dogwood Trail, Eight Mile, AL 36613
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RadneyFuneralHome-Saraland.com for the McCrary family.
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