Robert Daniel McCrary, Sr.

Robert Daniel McCrary (Sr.)  December 22, 1935 – March 28, 2019   Robert (Bob) McCrary died March 28, 2019 at the age of 83.  A resident of Fairhope, Alabama since 1994, Bob was born in the Ensley area of Birmingham, Alabama, and attended local schools until his graduation from Ensley High School in 1954.  Upon graduation, Bob accepted a job from Southern Bell, and simultaneously worked on his engineering degree from the University of Alabama. Bob worked for Bell-related companies in Birmingham from 1955 until his retirement in 1994, acquiring a well-earned reputation as a problem solver, a trusted and respected engineer, and an expert instructor. Bob was also a member of the Naval Reserve, National Guard, and Army Reserve from the late 1950’s until his retirement as a full Colonel in the Army Reserve in 1995.  In addition, Bob was a founding member of the Hillview (Birmingham) 78 West Volunteer Fire Department. He was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Birmingham.Bob had many hobbies, including white water canoeing, tennis, and sailing on Mobile Bay after his retirement.  He was an active and enthusiastic participant in philanthropic organizations such as the Lions Club, and was an eager participant in the reunion activities of his high school class over the years. Those who knew Bob best knew he would always be organized and prepared. He was a trustworthy and reliable friend.  Bob was even tempered, patient, and good humored - a valuable asset to any organization, possessor of a brilliant, insightful mind, and a calming influence in any situation that required a steady hand.  He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Mamie Stanford McCrary; his brother, Morris; and two grandchildren (Rachel and Andrew). He is survived by his children, Robert D. McCrary Jr. (Jorai) of Clemson, South Carolina, and Michael D. McCrary (Nancy) of Vestavia Hills, Alabama.  Bob also leaves behind his two sisters (Shirley and Norma), five grandchildren (Spencer, Duncan, Kathleen, Graham, and Ian), and countless friends. A service celebrating the life of Bob McCrary will be held at the Fairhope (AL) United Methodist Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 18, 2019, with a reception following. Interment will then be held at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama, at 10:00 am on Monday, May 20.The family requests that donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in lieu of flowers.   ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532 (251) 990-7775