George McCrary
George A. McCrary, age 84 of Red Boiling Springs, TN passed away Friday morning, December 5, 2025 at his residence. A Celebration of Life Service for George A. McCrary was conducted Tuesday afternoon, December 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the chapel of Anderson & Son Funeral Home in Red Boiling Springs, TN.
George A. McCrary was born September 28, 1941 in Gamaliel, KY, a son born to the late Eschol & Dortch (Hix) McCrary. On August 9, 1963, he married the love of his life, Linda C. McCrary, who survives. They shared over 62 wonderful years together.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by brother, William McCrary. To recognize and encourage volunteerism, Macon County is submitting the name of George McCrary, born in the 1940s, into a farming family. During his childhood, he attended a one teacher school and studied by lamplight, as electricity had not yet reached his community. Despite these humble beginnings, McCrary excelled academically, graduating near the top of his high school class. He then earned a degree in business from Tennessee Technological University, becoming the first member of his family to attend a college or university.
After completing his studies, McCrary married and began a 35-year teaching career. He was known for his willingness to help others and was consistently the first to volunteer. His colleagues elected him president of the Local education association, a position in which he and his team worked tirelessly to secure a group health insurance policy for teachers, resulting in lower premiums and improved coverage. Many of McCrary’s former students went on to earn degrees in business and accounting, reflecting his significant influence as an educator. George McCrary has been widely recognized for his extraordinary dedication to the Red Boiling Springs community and the broader region.
In 2001, McCrary was recognized with a Certificate of National Service commending him for “service to our communities and our country as a member of AmeriCorps.” In 2015, Vision 2020, a local civic organization, honored him as Volunteer of the Year, acknowledging his outstanding service and commitment to the community. His contributions to library and information services were formally recognized in 2022 by the Tennessee Library Association, which presented him with the Trustee Award. The accompanying plaque commended McCrary as “a library trustee who made a significant contribution to library and information services in Tennessee.” For several years, George McCrary collaborated closely with Nestle Corporation staff to organize and implement Project Wet, an annual training initiative dedicated to water conservation. This program engaged both student and adult volunteers alongside paid specialists, working together to provide Macon County elementary students and teachers with essential water conservation skills and knowledge.
Through his efforts, McCrary helped ensure that participants gained valuable insights into the importance of protecting water resources, further demonstrating his commitment to education and community service. Additionally, in 2024, the Macon County Retired Teachers Association expressed its gratitude for his longstanding efforts by presenting him with a plaque that stated, “In Appreciation for your service and Dedication to the Macon County Retired Teachers Association.”
Currently, McCrary serves his community as a third-term member of the Red Boiling Springs City Council, where he chairs the arks Committee. He also serves as chair of the Macon County Beer Board, vice-chair of the Macon County Senior Citizens Board, and an active member of the Tennessee Retired Teachers Association
governing board.
Given George McCrary’s lifelong commitment to education, his leadership in securing better conditions for his colleagues, and his tireless service to the Red Boiling Springs community, Macon County, and the State of Tennessee at large, his contributions have made a lasting and meaningful Impact. His recognition by various organizations including AmeriCorps, Vision 2020, the Tennessee Library Association, and the Macon County Retired Teachers Association—further demonstrates the breadth and depth of his service.
Survivors besides his wife, Linda include: daughter, Hansi McCrary Pagnotto & husband, Kevin; grandchildren, Jake & Lena Pagnotto all of Hilton Head, SC.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson & Son Funeral Home Directors, Red Boiling Springs, TN. 615-699-2191.
