Mr. Frank O. Mccrary

Frank Oliver McCrary (affectionately known as Larry) passed away peacefully among close family on May 2, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio.

Frank was born on July 26, 1935 to Edward McCrary and Fannie (McCrary) Stapleton in Kansas City, Kansas. Frank was the youngest of 13 children. After high school Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force. After serving in the military, Frank’s career included construction work with Labor Local Union 423.

Frank is survived by and leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and best friend of 59 years Pauline J. McCrary, son Stanford E. McCrary and daughter Sandra J. Gist. Frank is also survived by brothers Isaac (Pauline) McCrary of Columbus, Ohio and George McCrary of Pahrump, Nevada; sisters-in law Vernice Jones, Geraldine Robinson, and Doris Barrett; seven grandchildren, Kendle (Cynthia) Mardis, Stanford McCrary, Jr., Tamika Smoot, Christie Smoot, Sharia McCrary, Dorothy (Jason) Cheeks, and Devin (Lauren) Gist; a legacy of 32 great grandchildren and 28 great-great grandchildren as well as a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Edward McCrary and Fannie (McCrary) Stapleton; son Frank McCrary, Jr.; brothers Charles McCrary, Robert McCrary, Earl McCrary, Kenneth McCrary, Edward McCrary, Orville McCrary and Joseph (J.T.) Stapleton; sisters Edna McCrary, Alice Keith, and Cliffie Owens; sister-in-law Clara Mae Wooden, and godson Kirk Sutton.

Frank was a kind and friendly person to all, he treated everyone the same whether you were a close relative, friend or someone he just met. He had a big (warm) smile and a big boisterous laugh. Frank was crafty in creating his own DIY home projects (you may not have been able to figure out how things were rigged up but they worked).

One of Frank’s favorite things to do was to watch old westerns and WWF wrestling on TV; he also enjoyed traveling, especially with his wife to Las Vegas and traveling in his very own RV camper out of town. He loved and adored his grandchildren but he would become a special uncle to any child he met. Frank loved family get-togethers; he enjoyed planning outings for family gatherings whether it was a picnic, a trip to the amusement park or just hanging out in the back yard, all in the matter of fun (however he would definitely challenge your patience and work your nerves because he would work you to no end in helping to prepare, everyone had to do their part (“you had to work to play”) but we could say it was all worth it in the end with Lots of Fun.

Larry was noted for labeling everything that belong to him with his initials in big bold letters “F.O.M.” with a paint that still remains on coolers and other items even today. Frank always wanted the biggest and best TV available and any new gadget, he would want the most up to date phone even if it meant with new technology he didn’t know how to operate it.

Frank was known for telling entertaining stories, but sometimes with a hint of exaggeration. There are probably many stories and memories we can reflect on about Frank O. (Larry) McCrary but they probably would all be about the same because there was only one and one only who could match up to “Larry”.

F.O.M. will certainly be missed by all who loved him and had the honor of knowing him.

Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Friday, May 12, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH 2500 Cleveland Ave. Entombment to be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. To stream the service, read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the McCrary Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com