John Henry McCrory Jr.

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34) John Henry McCrory, Jr, was the eldest of three children born June 22, 1927 to Mr. & Mrs. John Henry and Vernita McCrory, Sr. in McCall Mississippi. He was known throughout the community as JH. His mother died at an early age and he and his sister and brother were left in the care of their grandfather, the Rev. Jake and Ida (Fortune) McCrory. “Junior” helped his grandfather raise his siblings by leaving school and working in the fields in order to help support the family. Dreaming of bigger things, he walked from Walnut Grove to Forest and worked and lived for a while with his Uncle Joe Spivey and wife. He later moved to New Orleans at the bequest of his Aunt Almira McCrory Keyes. Later he asked his brother and sister to join him. He lived in New Orleans for over 60 years. He joined the United States Army while still a teenager as a Private. During the Korean War he was offered a field commission but refused it and instead was given a field promotion to the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. He led a charge of his battalion and was severely wounded while single handedly fighting the enemy. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal which is the United States Armed Forces third-highest personal decoration for valor and gallantry in combat. Big John, as he also was affectionately known in New Orleans, was a hard worker. He retired from Cooper Smith Stevedoring as a Longshoreman Supervisor, after more than twenty years of service. He was also a diehard New Orleans Saints fan and made sure his children followed in his love of the Black & Gold. He was an avid fisherman and wild game chef. He couldn’t wait to come back “home” and bring some of his friends most of his catch. He would fish for hours and often times took his children and grandsons fishing on his beloved boat the Tom Cat. This is the same boat that helped to save his life during Hurricane Katrina. He went to retrieve it as a reminder after the devastation settled. Big John had a love of all children and was a very giving individual. He helped family and friends whenever he could. On Saturday, August 25th, 2018 he left this earth for his eternal rest. He succumbed to his illness at the Specialty Select Center, Baptist Medical Center, Jackson, MS. He was preceded in death by his loving brother, Robert McCrory, Sr.; brother-in-law Leon Boyd; nephew Gloster Scott and grandsons, Trevor and Christopher. Big John’s undying love will live on through his: Sister Pauline Boyd, Morton, MS. One son John Henry McCrory III, San Diego, California, daughters; Chandra Gates, Walnut Grove, MS; Yolanda (Andrew) Turner, Dallas, TX; Mara McCrory, New Orleans, LA; Stacey McCrory, Dallas, TX; Gaeyla McCrory (William) Ferrell, DeSoto, TX. A special and dear niece and nephew (whom he thought of as his children), Carol Scott, Bay Springs, MS and Richard (Lisa) Boyd helped to look after him and care for him while his children were away after moving back to Mississippi and during his illness. Grandchildren, Trevor, Alexander IV, Tonii, Tyecha, Brandi, Randi, Cabrini, Trey, Jordy, Tasheena, Gary and Codi. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends

John Henry McCrory Jr.

June 22, 1927 - August 25, 2018