John Robert Mccraney

John Robert McCraney, 71, formerly of Augusta, Ga. now residing in Lovell, Wyo. died in Sheridan, Wyo. on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at the Sheridan Manor.

John was born on June 29, 1941 in Laurel, Miss. to Hugh B. and Dolly M. McCraney. He had four brothers and two sisters: Leonard Hugh McCraney, Mattie Eugenia Walters, Billy Ray McCraney, Wilma Louise Graham, Thomas Edwin McCraney, and Wilton Earl McCraney.

John met the love of his life on a blind date on April 28, 1963. On June 23, 1963 he wed Juliann Elizabeth Hewett and they enjoyed 50 wonderful years of marriage.

John enjoyed a 30+ year career for the United States Government. He was a cannon crewman in the Navy and then worked in communications/field radio repair in the Army. He also served two tours in the Vietnam War. During his career, John was a decorated serviceman who received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (seven campaigns), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Expert Rifle Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (5th award), and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

John was born and raised in Laurel, Miss. While serving his country, John and his family lived in New Mexico, overseas in Germany, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Georgia. John and Julie moved to Lovell, Wyo. in 2010 after Julie’s retirement to enjoy their newest grandchildren. He was so excited and loved the beauty of Wyoming and the new friends and family that he met.

John enjoyed fishing, fast muscle cars, was a great mechanic, enjoyed repairing antique radios, cooking for a crowd, traveling, spending time with his family and friends, and was the “daycare and school bus” for his grandkids.

John was an active, faithful member of Crawford Avenue Baptist Church in Augusta, Ga. for 26 years. During this time, he taught a Sunday School class for 15 years, served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and was part of the “Brotherhood” men’s group. John was saved and baptized as a young child and later rededicated his life to the Lord. Ollie O. McGahee, Rev. Robert C. Daniel, Dr. William L. Owens, and Rev. Tony Wilkerson were mentors to John and were very instrumental in his Christian walk. John read his Bible everyday and was a prayer warrior. He truly loved the Lord and had a heart’s desire to serve others. John also went on a missions trip to help Hurricane Katrina victims. He never met a stranger, had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.

John is survived by his wife Julie of Lovell, Wyo.; children John Robert (Christina) McCraney Jr., of Augusta, Ga., Elizabeth Alice McCraney of Augusta, Ga., and Kelly (Jason) Gedney of Lovell, Wyo.; grandchildren Matthew and Maegan Kuhn of Augusta, Ga., Miranda and Malori McCraney of Augusta, Ga., Andrew McCraney, Joshua Gedney, and Julianne Gedney of Lovell, Wyo.; siblings Wilma Louise Graham, Thomas Edwin McCraney, and Wilton Earl McCraney; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents, Hugh B. and Dolly M. McCraney; and siblings Leonard Hugh McCraney, Mattie Eugenia Walters, and Billy Ray McCraney.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Crawford Avenue Baptist Church, 507 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, Ga. 30904-3612.
Rev. Joe Thompson will officiate the service. Graveside service and interment will be at Westover Cemetery in Augusta, Ga. Platt’s Funeral Home of Augusta, Ga. is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 10, 2013 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Platt's Funeral Home on Crawford Avenue.

Memorials can be made to Crawford Avenue Baptist Church, 507 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, Ga. 30904-3612.