John Mccracken

Waynesville, John Carroll McCracken, age 69, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born April 14, 1944 to the late Austin Carroll and Helen Best McCracken of the Crabtree community. A lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was preceded in death by a sister, JoAnna McCracken Robinson and one brother-in-law, Arnold Robinson. John received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Community College Education from Western Carolina University where he was president of the senior class and Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He later returned to the university as a business officer and served as Director of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services. John's career path eventually led him to serve as finance officer and Assistant Superintendent of Haywood County Schools before retiring in 2004. He was twice elected to the Haywood County Board of Education and was serving his second term on the Junaluska Water Board at the time of his death. John was an active member of Long's Chapel United Methodist Church, where he had served on numerous committees. He was also a member of the National Guard Association. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always happy to tell a good story or joke to anyone who would stop long enough to listen. He loved people and always found positive traits in everyone he met. He loved classic cars, SEC Football, and ACC Basketball. John McCracken was dearly loved by his family and friends. Those left behind will cherish the memory of a kind, loving, and gentle man. Mr. McCracken is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Terry Morgan McCracken; a daughter, Kellye McCracken Wiggins, and her husband, Matthew, of Waynesville; a son, Nicholas Morgan McCracken and his wife, Bronwyen, of Waynesville; two grandchildren, Caleb John Richie and Brenna Elizabeth McCracken; nephew, Mitchell Judson Robinson and his wife, Karen; and one great nephew, Matthew Robinson, of Clyde. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at Long's Chapel United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Charles "Chuck" Wilson, II, Reverend John Ferree, and Reverend L. Alan Mears officiating. Burial will follow at Upper Crabtree Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville. Memorials may be made to Haywood Christian Ministries, 150 Branner Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786 or to a charity of one's choice.

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