Stephen “Steve” Daniel McCrary

Mr. Stephen “Steve” Daniel McCrary, age 72, of Molena, passed away at home on September 27, 2025.He was the oldest of five children, son of Lewis “Buck” McCrary Jr. and Betty Anne Daniel McCrary. Steve was born in Thomaston and raised in Molena, Georgia. He graduated from R. E. Lee Institute in 1971, where his love for football began. He grew up helping his father maintain the McCrary turkey farm and feed mill, then began his own venture of growing vegetables on that same farmland. He also worked alongside his brother, Tim, as a project manager for J.T.M. Grassing Company, planting grass on highways, bridges, and industrial sites throughout Georgia for over twenty years. Steve played an integral role in this company and retired from commercial grassing after years of dutiful work and fond memories between his brother, his daughter, and himself. 

Steve believed “Molena is the center of the universe and the garden is where God is.”  He loved his hometown, spending his days tending to his self-made greenhouse and gardens to supply fresh vegetables to local markets, school lunches, and any friend that stopped at the farm’s roadside stand.  Not only did he cultivate land into blooming produce with two green thumbs, he also created a place where friends and family came together and made memories at McCrary Farms, and there was always a job available there if someone was in need.

Steve was encouraging and kind to everyone that crossed his path. He loved to spend time with friends and family, supporting them in their own walks through life. Steve and Patsi raised their children, Megan and Bucky, in the heart of Molena alongside the rest of the McCrary family. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, watching UGA football, NASCAR, and listening to music. He lived a gracious and generous life and will be dearly missed by many.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Buck McCrary.He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Patsi McCrary; his children, Megan (Chuck) McCrary and Lewis “Bucky” Lester (Jennifer) McCrary III; mother, Betty Anne Daniel McCrary; brothers and sisters, Tim (Christy) McCrary, Luanne (David) Fowler, Amanda (Rob Sanford) McCrary, Mike McCrary; grandchildren, Alex, Aidan, Jesse, Bella, and Cate; several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Steve McCrary will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church cemetery. Pastor Mark Harris will be officiating. 

 Moody-Daniel Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.