Willie James McCrary

Willie James McCrary Sr. was born in Roberta Crawford County Georgia on August 9, 1938 to the parentage of the late Willie Mae Respress McCrary and the late Solomon “Buster” McCrary

He grew up and attended the public schools in Crawford County, as a young boy Willie James would laugh play and enjoying life. It was in early adolescence he Peeked an interest in woodworks that would lead to paths unknown. 

James as he would grow to be called would meet the love oh his life, Fay Wallace whom he married and made her his beloved wife and to this blessed Union six children were born. They built a life of stability for their children and called their home blessed.

James was a member of the Mt. Gillard Baptist Church, where he served with the Deacons Ministry. He remained steadfast in his belief and looked up to the author and finisher of his faith.

James was a builder. He built a life of strength and endurance. He built character in his children. He built a home of love and unity. He built those things because he was a builder of things in life. As a skilled carpenter he built structures and add ons at home and beyond. He was affiliated with different construction crews throughout his career.

As the golden years moved in after his many years on the job, he enjoyed peaceful times in his yard doing landscaping, beautifying his yard with flowers and shrubs. His favorite quite place was sitting at the edge of his car garage looking out as the cars and the world moved in motion.

It is said that in each life some rain must fall. James had his share of life storms but he weathered all of them with strength and grace. James echoed to lyrics of Joe Lagon “I been in the storm too long, lord give me a little more time to pray” James prayed and waited for his change to come. That change came for him on October 22, 2025 very peacefully as he was surrounded by his loving family there to bid him peace on his journey back to the father who gave him life.

James was preceded in death by his parents, a loving daughter Doris Nell McCrary, a brothers Willie Joe McCrary, Carlton McCrary, sisters Earlene Shaw, Mattie Ruth Thompson, sister-in-law Mildred Ford,

Left to carry his memory on are: his loving supportive wife Fay McCrary, loving children: Willie James, Jr. Macon  Calvin McCrary, West Palm Beach, Myron (Julie) McCrary Roberta, Jacqueline (Undray) Lumpkin Reynolds, Kim (Michael) Parker, Fort Valley Brothers: Solomon (Ethel) McCrary, Jr. Larry (Doris) McCrary, Earnest (Barbara Ann) McCrary, Sisters: Carolyn Raines, Sister-in-law: Margaret Gibson, 9 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren. Devoted Grandchildren that played a big part in their grandaddy’s final care Alicia Lumpkin, Jamaal Biddle, Tyler McCrary, a very devoted neice who was regarded like a daughter and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.