Obituary of Joseph Beecher McCrary

Joseph Beecher McCrary Joseph Beecher McCrary, Jr. was born on December 21, 1922 and died on July 17, 2010. Joseph, known simply as Joe, grew up the oldest of 8 children in Molena, Georgia. In 1943 during his senior year of high school he was drafted into the Army and earned a position in the 515th Paratrooper Infantry Regiment and served in France. For his service in World War II, Joe was awarded a Purple Heart. After his discharge from the Army, Joe attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia, and then transferred to the University of Georgia graduating in 1950 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. Joe began his career in agriculture as a Regional Salesman for Case Tractor Company. Then went to work for Lovett & Tharpe and picked Florida to be his territory. In 1970 Joe assumed responsibility as Manager of Clewiston Drainage District in Clewiston, Florida until his retirement. Joe was passionate about his work for the Clewiston Drainage District. He also served as a member and Chairperson of the Hendry County Planning and Zoning Board. Joe obtained his private pilot's license in 1979 and loved flying. Joe also enjoyed reading and began learning about the history of the "Glades" area. This led to his serving as Director for the Clewiston Museum. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Clewiston, Florida. Joe is survived by his wife EIeanor Giddens McCrary whom he married in 1982. He is also survived by step-children Carol Ann Brannon (Mark) grandchildren Sarah, Emily, Todd and MaryEllyn; Morris Giddens (Patricia) granddaughter Natalie; Lynn McGahee (David) grandsons Zane, Caleb, Cody, and Dillon; and Stan Giddens (Heather) granddaughter Miranda. He is also survived by his two sisters, Mima Jane Smith and Mary Jo Shealey and eighteen nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of thirty years, Evelyn Thornton McCrary and is survived by their two children, son Bruce McCrary (Julie), grandson Bryan and daughter Jan McCrary Adams (John) Funeral Services for Joe will be held at the First Christian Church, Clewiston, Florida on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Clewiston, Visitation will be tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Hospice at 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, Florida 33908. Arrangements by: Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Clewiston