Julian Bently McCrary
Julian Bently McCrary, age 84, of Chipley, FL passed from this life on August 13, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on December 6, 1941, in Jackson County, FL to the late Park and Florida McCrary.
Julian graduated from Campbellton High School in 1959. While in high school he was active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and sports. He was a member of the Campbellton High School basketball team that won the state championship in 1958 and 1959, and he was named an all-state player for both of those years.
He began working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in 1960, and married Ruth Lynn McDonald on December 23, 1961. They were married for 61 years until Ruth’s passing in 2022. Ruth was ill the last five years of her life, and Julian faithfully dedicated himself to providing the best care that was possible.
Julian began his FDOT career by working in the drafting room. He was accepted into the FDOT’s Engineer Training Program and passed the Florida Civil Engineering Exam to become a Professional Engineer in 1980. He worked in Drainage Design, Bridge Maintenance, and was the District 3 Maintenance Engineer the last seven years of his FDOT career. He retired from FDOT in 1993 after 33 years of service. He then worked for an engineering consulting firm in the area of Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) for 10 years before fully retiring.
Outside of work, Julian was a member of the First Methodist Church of Chipley for 50 years where he taught Sunday School and served on many church committees. Farming was a part of his life from childhood through the ‘80s. Some of the crops included soybeans, peanuts, and wheat. Other activities he enjoyed through the years were golfing, woodworking, and especially fishing. Julian enjoyed cooking for family and friends, especially the fish that he caught.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Ruth, brother Park McCrary, Jr., and brother-in-law Roy Vickers. Survivors include son Michael McCrary and wife, Pam of Chipley; daughter Kristin McCrary of Tallahassee; nephew Jeremy Calloway of Jacksonville; sister-in-law Sara Vickers of Augusta, GA; brother-in-law Harry McDonald and wife, Cheryl of Donaldsonville, Ga; grandchildren, Alan Davis of Chipley; Chad Davis and wife, Somer of Chipley; great grandchildren Broxton, Easton, Cooper, and Barrett Davis, of Chipley; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, August 16, at the First Methodist Church of Chipley. Visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M. with the Celebration of Life Service to follow starting at 3:00 P.M. Interment will follow at Springhill Methodist Church Cemetery in Campbellton, Florida, with James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing.
Active pall bearers will be Rick Branton, Jason Bruner, Caleb Carter, Adam Bass, Justin Adkins, and Matt Webb.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or to a charity of your choosing.
