Robert Tom McCrary was born March 2, 1920 in Madison County, Alabama to the late Willie and Mary Ann Lewis McCrary. He went to sleep in Jesus on February 9, 2008 at 12:55 a.m. with family at his bedside. The LORD blessed Robert McCrary with eighty-seven years, eleven months and seven days, as we know it here.
On March 1, 1942, he was united in holy wedlock to Martha Hawkins McCrary. In this marriage, they brought into this world five loving children; two sons (Earl and Lawrence Edward), and three daughters (Eunice, Shirley Elaine and Linda Faye). Robert was a dedicated husband and the best father ever! He was a hard worker and unstoppable provider for his family.
At an early age, he professed faith and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized at Zion Progress Missionary Baptist Church. The church was about a football field's length from the family home and he remained a faithful and dedicated member until health reasons prevented him from attending. During his most active years at Zion Progress, he was a loyal spiritual patriot. He demonstrated great faith and a most gentle manner. He served in many capacities, wherever he was needed at various times, including: Superintendent of Sunday School, Member of the Senior Missionary Society, The Men's Chorus, The Gospel Choir, Church Treasurer, an ordained Deacon, assisted with organizing various special programs and supportive of the full life and ministry of the congregation. He served faithfully there until his illness.
Born in the country, he worked hard, from the farm to the Madison County Board of Education. He picked, chopped and pulled cotton. He planted and harvested gardens. He worked tirelessly, along side his wife, to provide for his family. On his farm, he had chickens, cattle, pigs and even a creek, in what was called The Bottom, that he would go sit on the bank and fish. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. As the years past, he would get in his truck and drive all over the county as well as Tennessee in search for items of interest. We later realized that he became a collector of old items.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Martha Hawkins McCrary, five children, Earl, Elaine, Lawrence and Linda (all of Huntsville) and Eunice McKnight (Duluth, Georgia; one sister, Louise Hall (Huntsville); nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. McCrary will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 15, 2008 from the Zion Progress Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Hernandez Ford officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 14 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Blutcher's Ford Cemetery. Mr. McCrary will lie in state one hour prior to funeral time.