Author: Michael Brannon

FIRST UNITED METHODIST
Church of Hendersonville
August 3, 2025
A Service of
Celebration of Life
Tom McCrary
WORDS OF GRACE AND WELCOME
HYMN 707
Hymn of Promise PROMISE
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
there’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
OLD TESTAMENT READING Psalm 23:1-6
NEW TESTAMENT READING I Corinthians 13:1-13
MESSAGE OF GOOD NEWS
STATEMENT FROM COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS
STATEMENT FROM FORMER STUDENT
STATEMENT FROM FAMILY
PRAYER OF COMMENDATION AND BLESSING
THE LORD’S PRAYER (unison)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us, not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
INVITATION TO RECEPTION
BENEDICTION
HYMN 143
On Eagle’s Wings ON EAGLE’S WINGS
And God will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of God’s hand. Repeat
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SLIDESHOW
LICENCES
Some music for our worship experience is offered with express
permissions granted by One License A-734965.
ASSISTING IN TODAY’S WORSHIP SERVICE
Rev. Steve Coss — Associate Pastor
Jason Gardner — Sound Technician
Mark Donaldson — Scripture Reader
John Wehrly and
Mike Collins — Statement from Community of Friends
Ashleigh Swayze — Statement from Former Student
Lauren McCrary — Statement from Family
Debbie Lancaster — Music Leader
Ken Swayze and Doug Kilgo — Guitarists
Katie McCrary — Slideshow
MEMORIAL GIFTS
The family kindly suggests memorial gifts in Tom McCrary’s honor be given to either:
First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville NC
Henderson County Education Foundation
and/or
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
OBITUARY
Tom McCrary, 76
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Educator, and Friend
Arnold Thomas McCrary, better known by family and friends as Tom, Buzz, or Dad, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, May 17, at the age of 76.
Although he was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 4, 1949, Tom considered himself a life-long resident of Henderson County, where he made a lasting impact on the community. Tom was a proud graduate of East Henderson High School and later continued his education earning both his Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Education from Western Carolina University.
On July 1, 1978, Tom married the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Graf McCrary, and together they shared more than 45 years of devoted marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and service.
A lifelong advocate for education, Tom dedicated over 30 years to serving students and communities through public schools. He began his career with Greenville County Schools in South Carolina, where he served for 4 years, before returning to his hometown to teach at Flat Rock Middle School in Henderson County for 31 years. Through his leadership, mentorship, and care, Tom left an enduring impact on generations of students and educators.
He was also a committed member of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, where he found purpose, fellowship, and lasting friendships. His Christ Care Group became a second family to him, offering support, connection, and joy over many years.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Kimzey McCrary, and his mother, Annie Ruth McCrary; his father-in-law, Charles Lloyd Graf, and mother-in-law, Helen Louise Graf; his brother-in-law, Rodney E. Graf; and sister-in-law, Nancy L. Graf.
He is survived by the lights of his life, his wife, Becky; daughter, Katie; son, Adam Thomas and wife Lauren, all of Hendersonville. Tom spent the last 12 years of his life enjoying his three grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as their Buzz: Abram Thomas, Park Ingraham, and Eliza Louise McCrary.
He is also survived by his sister, Jewel Hill, and husband Tony; niece, Cindy Hill; and nephew, Eric Hill. Additional surviving family include his brother-in-law, Jerry Graf; nephew, Matt Graf and wife Amy; niece, Christy Phillips and husband Dustin; sister-in-law, Judy Graf and nephews Matt and Robbie Krug; and several great nieces and nephews.
Tom will be remembered for his kindness, patience, wit, and generous ability to recognize the strength in others they may not yet see in themselves. His deep love for nature allowed him to find solace in the mountains surrounding his home. Observing the beauty of the world around him brought him peace and joy. Known by his friends and loved ones for his extraordinary baking ability and most important his steady, deep rooted love and commitment to his family, faith, and friends, Tom shared his love for others through the passion he put into both his teaching and his cooking. Whether in the classroom or in the kitchen, Tom’s warmth and generosity left a mark on everyone he encountered. His legacy and light lives on in the many lives he touched, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Tom's celebration of life at 3 PM, Sunday, August 3, 2025 at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville in the Christian Life Center.
204 Sixth Avenue West
Hendersonville, NC 28739
828-693-4275 | fumchvlnc.org

June 20, 2021 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

FYI
The first hymn did not appear in the USA Methodist hymnals until 1878, but was dropped from our 1905 book, and restored in 1935.

The Altar flowers are presented to the glory of God
by
If you would like to donate flowers for the altar,
please contact Becky Kirtley at 252-331-3431.