Everett M. McCrary
Everett M. McCrary, 81, long term native of Crestivew, Florida, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 10, at the Parthenon Nursing Home in Crestview. After a courageous battle fought against melanoma cancer, he is free of pain and in eternal union with His Heavenly Father. He always termed the event of his death as “graduation day,” and he indeed “graduated” with honors.
He was born on April 23, 1927, in Troy, Alabama, to John and Susie McCrary, who preceded him in death. He married Judith McEachern, of Brundidge, Alabama, on September 6, 1953, who survives him.
He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947, seeing combat in the European Theater of Operations. After World War II, he studied at the Vienna School of Music and the Beirut American University. He graduated from the University of Alabama, earning a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration, and a B.A. in Economics. He taught as an assistant professor at Alabama while doing graduate work in Economics. He earned a Federal Communications Commission first-class engineer’s license.
After his discharge from the Army he was manager of Radio Station WCNU in Crestview, Florida, and Radio Station WATM in Atmore, Alabama. In 1956 he purchased Radio
Station WJSB in Crestview, Florida, which in 1965 became the first CBS Radio Network affiliate in Okaloosa County. In 1965 he placed Radio Station WAAZ-FM on the air in Crestview, the first FM Radio Station in Okaloosa County. After selling both radio stations in 1970, he was the owner and developer of several real estate projects in the Crestview area.
An active pilot for 30 years, he served for ten years as Secretary-Treasurer of the Okaloosa Airport and Industrial Authority, and played an instrumental part in the creation of Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview. He served as past President of the Crestview Kiwanis Club, and since 1970 has served on the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Crestview.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Judith McEachern McCrary; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Susan McCrary of Fairhope, Alabama; and one sister, Agnes Boan, of Troy, Alabama, all of whom will deeply miss him. He will also be missed by his beloved dalmatian dog, Cindy.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2009, at Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home, 436 West James Lee Blvd., Crestview, Florida. A private burial will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home, Crestview, Florida.