John Mccrea

John Charles McCrea, 70, of Colonial Heights passed away Monday, December 19, 2016. He was born January 8,1946 in Clinton, Indiana and was the sixth of eight children born to Thomas and Bessie McCrea, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by sisters Mary Hord and Jane Crawley, brother-in-law Pat Galyon, and mother and father-in-law Grace and Herbert Bryant. John was a Master Parachutist and Senior Parachute Rigger in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He served on various overseas assignments, including two tours in Vietnam, and rose through the enlisted ranks, retiring in 1983 as Chief Warrant Officer Three after 21 years of service. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 2, a member of Swift Creek Baptist Church, and a member of the Petersburg Masonic Lodge No. 15. He enjoyed his morning ritual of waking up before the sun rose, heading to Wawa to ensure they put out fresh coffee, then helping solve the world's problems with the brain-trust at Hardees. His most important job was greeter of Courtland Drive, where he waved from his front porch while drinking coffee and doing crossword puzzles, and was never too busy for a visit from his favorite grand-dogs, Khloe and Ender. John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bettie Bryant McCrea, children Joshua Charles McCrea (Carolyn) and Gabriene Elizabeth McCrea, siblings Thomas McCrea, Barbara Dennis (David), Susan Galyon, Michael McCrea (Pam) and Patrick McCrea (Janet), brother-in-law Wilbur Hord, and sisters-in-law Vickie Bryant (Rodger Doss), Bonnie Bryant, Konnie Bryant-Duong (Mike) and Hank Mollie Hamel (Rich). He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 28, 2016, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at E. Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard in Colonial Heights. A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. also at E. Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory led by his nephews, Pastor Tom Bradley McCrea and Pastor Thom Hord. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. A memorial service will be hosted by American Legion Post 2, 820 Winfield Rd, Petersburg, on January 8, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's name to the American Legion Post 2, or another charitable service organization. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.Those who knew and loved John will not be surprised to know he had prepared a few words of his own to be included in the event of his passing. What follows is unmistakably him and a reminder of the sense of humor he carried with him throughout his life: I WAS NOT HERE A LONG TIME, BUT I HAD A GREAT TIME. Well you have done it. You have survived longer than I. By doing so you have now inherited all the ills of the world that I did not address. Bless you my friend for you shall need all the blessings you may acquire and more. But enough of this; let us move on. I was preceded in my departure by two wonderful sisters, Mary Beth and Jane Ann, with whom I hope to reunite along with my parents, Thomas and Bessie McCrea. Being born the sixth of eight children I have left behind several siblings: Pat, Mike, Barb, T.A. and Sue. I do not know of them amassing any fortunes greater than I, so please do not attempt to collect any debts that I owe you from them. Friends I've had a few, but none shone brighter than my ole buddy ole pal Romeo. This ole dog was always there for me no matter what. His was an unquestioning loyalty. He was a guy who enjoyed guarding me and knew when to invite me to sit down and have a beer with him. He never thought of biting the hand that fed him and spent his final years dining on pork chops and hot dogs prepared by myself. Leaving this world is such sorrow because of my leaving behind my two blessings, Joshua and Gabriene. They were my sun and moon, and quite possibly the two greatest kids on this earth. They accomplished this despite my best efforts as a father. Bettie Rene, the rock that I held onto and never let me down. The one that kept our ship afloat through many a troubling journey and could keep it on a steady course. What more could I say than I love you and will wait for you. Know that on the day you lay me to rest the sun will rise, the birds will sing and life will go on (though it will be quieter and calmer). See you all on the other side.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, December 28th, 2016 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small

Service Information

Thursday, December 29th, 2016 1:00pm, Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small

Interment Details

Arlington National Cemetery