Leroy McCraw

Leroy McCraw, 92 of Lambs Grill Road, Rutherfordton, NC went to be with the Lord on August 15, 2015. He was the son of the late William and Emma Horton McCraw, and husband of the late Edna Lamb McCraw.  He was also predeceased by three brothers, Garthur, Aaron and Paul McCraw and a sister, Lorena Cash.
He is survived by his daughter Sonya Stott, and son in law, Kenneth Stott of Rutherfordton, NC and one grandson, Brandon McDade of Boise, ID.  He is also survived by three brothers, Billy (Alpha), Buford (Alber), and Etroy "Bud" McCraw.
Mr. McCraw was a 1943 graduate of Green Creek High School, and attended Brevard College.  He served in the US Army during WWII.  He was a machine gunner with a designation of expert marksman.  He served in four campaigns and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action in battle.  He was presented the first State of NC Bronze Star license plate (BS 0001) at the governor's office in Raleigh.  He retired in 1975 from Soil Conservation Service in Spartanburg, SC and pursued one of his passions, farming.  There was not a retirement from farming, as he was joyfully baling hay just days prior to his death.
Mr. McCraw also had a passion for serving his Lord at Sandy Springs First Baptist Church.  He faithfully served in many capacities over the years; Teacher, Sunday School Secretary, Deacon, Associational Messenger, Liaison for NC Baptist Children's Home, as well as serving on numerous other committees.  
He was a friend to all and served his community as well as his church.  He was presented the Polk County Community Volunteer Award in 2011.
Two ministries that were his heart and soul were the Gideon and Baptist Children Home ministries.  He was a charter member of the Gideon Polk County Camp.  He delighted in being able to distribute many copies of God's word to area schools and other organizations in his community.  He loved and appreciated all "Preachers of the Gospel", and especially those he befriended during the course of his work with the Gideon ministry.   He worked many years with the NC Baptist Children's Home ministry through his church, and also as a past board member.  He was presented the "Friend of Children" award in 2015 while in the hospital a few days prior to his death.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday, August 21, 2015 at Sandy Springs First Baptist Church, 382 Sandy Springs Rd, Rutherfordton, NC.  Funeral services will be held at the church at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 22, 2015 conducted by Rev. Phil Bailey.  Burial will be follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Gideon International-Polk County c/o Dale Fox, 140 Old Barn Rd., Campobello, SC  29322 or to NC Baptist Children's Home, 111 Sneed Dr., Clyde, NC  28721.  The family requests that condolences be sent through www.pettyfuneralhome.com, or mailed to Sonya Stott 206 Creek Rd, Rutherfordton, and NC 28139.
 

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