Thomas A. McCrary
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Educator, and Friend
Arnold Thomas McCrary, better known by family and friends as Tom, Buzz, or Dad, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, May 17, at the age of 76.
Although he was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 4, 1949, Tom considered himself a life-long resident of Henderson County, where he made a lasting impact on the community. Tom was a proud graduate of East Henderson High School and later continued his education earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Western Carolina University.
On July 1, 1978, Tom married the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Graf McCrary, and together they shared more than 45 years of devoted marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and service.
A lifelong advocate for education, Tom dedicated over 30 years to serving students and communities through public schools. He began his career with Greenville County Schools in South Carolina, where he served for 4 years, before returning to his hometown to teach at Flat Rock Middle School in Henderson County for 31 years. Through his leadership, mentorship, and care, Tom left an enduring impact on generations of students and educators.
He was also a committed member of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, where he found purpose, fellowship, and lasting friendships. His Christ Care Group became a second family to him, offering support, connection, and joy over many years.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Kimzey McCrary, and his mother, Annie Ruth McCrary; his father-in-law, Charles Lloyd Graf, and mother-in-law, Helen Louise Graf; his brother-in-law, Rodney E. Graf; and sister-in-law, Nancy L. Graf.
He is survived by the lights of his life, his wife, Becky; daughter, Katie; son, Adam Thomas and wife Lauren, all of Hendersonville. Tom spent the last 12 years of his life enjoying his three grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as their Buzz: Abram Thomas, Park Ingraham, and Eliza Louise McCrary.
He is also survived by his sister, Jewel Hill, and husband Tony; niece, Cindy Hill; and nephew, Eric Hill. Additional surviving family include his brother-in-law, Jerry Graf; nephew, Matt Graf and wife Amy; niece, Christy Phillips and husband Dustin; sister-in-law, Judy Graf and nephews Matt and Robbie Krug; and several great nieces and nephews.
Tom will be remembered for his kindness, patience, wit, and generous ability to recognize the strength in others they may not yet see in themselves. His deep love for nature allowed him to find solace in the mountains surrounding his home. Observing the beauty of the world around him brought him peace and joy. Known by his friends and loved ones for his extraordinary baking ability and most important his steady, deep rooted love and commitment to his family, faith, and friends, Tom shared his love for others through the passion he put into both his teaching and his cooking. Whether in the classroom or in the kitchen, Tom’s warmth and generosity left a mark on everyone he encountered. His legacy and light lives on in the many lives he touched, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.