Sometimes a loss comes at you so fast and so hard it seems to stop time. Everything takes on different and deeper meanings, like the lyrics of a song or the appearance of a certain bird. This is what it feels like to lose George Thomas Monroe McCranie, a loss so sudden only birds and songs make sense. George passed away April 11, 2021. Music can give a voice to the things you can’t bring yourself to say, like goodbye. So for the purpose of writing this goodbye to a cornerstone of the lives of his family, I’ll lean on Natalie Merchant and her song, Kind and Generous. The lyrics of this song encapsulate well the feelings we are experiencing in reflecting upon the life of this loving Papa.
The song begins with the lyrics, “You’ve been so kind and generous, I don’t know how you keep on giving.” There are few things I could say that more accurately represent George McCranie than kind and generous. George was born in Detroit, Michigan, but spent many of his early years in Jacksonville, Florida. He loved to tell about riding his bike up and down the St. John’s River. George developed a love for travel early in life and he was given the opportunity to explore the world through his military service. George joined the Navy and was a crewmember of the USS Norfolk. He was extremely proud of his designation as a Shellback, signifying he crossed the equator while on official duty. He continued to see the world throughout his life whether it be visits to college campuses or on cross-country drives with his late father. His travels took him to 48 of the 50 states. He was able to see the Continental US in his lifetime as well as several foreign countries. George then finished his degree and married the love of his life, Beverly. During his more than 50 year marriage he was a proud father to three children and later an even prouder Papa to two grandchildren.
His generosity of spirit was always present in his service to his country. George proudly served in the Navy, Army and Army Reserves during Operation Desert Storm/Sheild and retired as a Lt. Col in the Army Reserves.
“For your kindness, I’m in debt to you. For your selflessness, my admiration. For everything you’ve done, you know I’m bound. I’m bound to thank you for it.” No place in the life of George does this sentiment ring more true than to those who remain and will miss him more than any words could describe. George was preceded in death by his mother and father, Vivan and Carl McCranie, and beloved son, Matthew Monroe McCranie. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beverly McCranie, brother, Dan McCranie, sister, Cheryl Mathis, son, Scott McCranie, daughter, Julie McCranie, daughter-in-law, Dana Bierley and two grandchildren, Aybra and Thomas McCranie. George served with joy many roles in his life but none were more valuable and important to him than that of loving and caring for his family.
“Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave;
The love, the tenderness, I want to thank you;
I want to thank you for your generosity, the love; And the honesty that you gave me;
I want to thank you show my gratitude; My love, and my respect for you, I want to thank you”
When the song moves to this refrain, it sums up what it means to be George’s family. He took sick family members to dialysis, delivered medicine and food, drove endless drives for the purpose of calming the mind, attended endless school performances, danced terribly for the sake of a smile and just showed up whenever there was a need.
Some would say his bravest moments were in uniform, I would argue that he displayed the highest character in protecting and loving well those he was charged with. He let you be who you were and he loved you anyway. For that my heart will always sing songs of gratitude when I think of him.
The song ends with Merchant repeating “I want to thank you” over and over again. This is what I feel when I think of George McCranie. My heart will always repeat those words…thank you, thank you, thank you.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15th at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral will follow in the chapel with Chaplain Anthony Ford officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
