Allen Ray McCrary, 92, passed away at his home in Columbus MS on Monday, July 15, 2024.

Allen was born August 9, 1931, in Tupelo, MS to the late Lowell Gilliam and J. Ellis McCrary.  He was an only child who immensely enjoyed the time he spent with his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Gilliam on their farm on the Old West Point Road.  Allen's extended families included many McCrary, Ellis, and Gilliam relatives.  Mr. McCrary knew his relatives well and exactly how they were related.  He had an exceptional ability to remember family connections of his own family and the families of his many Columbus and Lowndes County friends.

Allen attended Franklin Academy and graduated from S.D. Lee High School in Columbus MS. He earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green College of Commerce, now Western Kentucky University, in Bowling Green.   Mr. McCrary furthered his education at the University of Minnesota as a graduate student in Transportation and Economics.   From 1952 thru 1954, he served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.  Upon returning to the United States, he became an employee of the Southern Railway, in sales capacities.  From 1955 until 1962 Mr. McCrary's territory included Danville, VA, Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL,  Minneapolis, MN, St. Louis, MO, Mobile, AL, and Houston, TX.

From 1962 thru 1984, he worked as General Eastern Sales Manager for the railroad in Pittsburgh, PA.  In 1985 Allen returned to his hometown of Columbus, MS where he owned and operated The Grapevine, a gift and framing shop.  In 2007 he retired.

He lived out his last years enjoying his pets, Mr. Cat and Daisy, a rescue dog, along with many visits from family and friends.  He grew fresh vegetables in containers gathering tomatoes, okra, and peppers.  Allen McCrary was frugal and extremely generous, loving to share whatever he had.  His friend and longtime neighbor described Allen as a person you could not out-give!

Allen was a communicant at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd where he served on the Vestry for 15 years.  The Honorable Sandra DePriest will conduct graveside services on Thursday, July 18, at 10:00 a.m. in Friendship Cemetery with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.  Memorials may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, P.O. Box 2023, Columbus, MS 39704-2023.