The Almighty God blessed Ethan McCraney and Zelene Lett McCraney to behold their son, Henry Curtis McCraney on December 10, 1937, in Hortense Georgia. He transitioned from his
earthly house to rest in peace with God on June 6, 2024, at his home in Hubbard, Ohio. At an early age of nine the responsibility of helping his mother provide for the family challenged
him. He did not run from it but executed his duties like a man, while continuing his education. In his early teens he developed a strong passion for rebuilding cars. His first car contained parts
found in a junkyard. Along with owning a car came the temptation for jobs of which his mom did not approve. He signed up with the United States Army, but she did not feel that was safe
either. He felt sending home an allotment would help the family. He served in the 101st Airborne Special Forces.

After getting out of the service he traveled and raced cars. He went to Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California and Detroit, Michigan acquiring skills such as installing windshields,
upholstering the interior of cars and replacing convertible tops.

Deacon McCraney finally settled in Akron, Ohio where he accepted the teachings and gospel of the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob of the United States of America, Inc. in 1976. He
was riding by on his motorcycle, heard the music, listened to the sound from outside and drove away. He came back again, heard the music, went inside to hear the sermon dressed in his
Zulus motorcycle club gear, sat down, listened and swallowed the doctrine hook, line and sinker.

While in Akron, he dedicated his services to keeping the church clean and presentable. He was soon appointed to serve as a Deacon. He was elevated to Senior Deacon and continued to
serve with dedication and dignity. He took pride in his service for the Lord, sometimes he even risked his natural life for the safety of God’s people. Anything he could do to strengthen the
church, naturally, spiritually, locally and nationally he performed with great pride.

On October 24, 2010, he was united in holy matrimony to Mother Mary Davis in Bethlehem Township, Ohio.  They made their home in Youngstown, Ohio where he served as Honorary Senior Deacon in the Youngstown, Ohio mission.  Serving as the Honorary Senior Deacon, he was thankful to be able to sit and enjoy the church services from beginning to end.

During his travels in the church from North, South, East and West, regional convocations and national convocations, he became quite the photographer and recorder, storing up memories of the good life.  For the opening of Mount Zion in Coshocton, Ohio, he was assigned as an associate on the National Audio-Visual Committee until his health dictated otherwise.

It was an esteemed honor for him, on October 18, 2014, to receive a Certificate of Achievement for his studies in the Elementary Bible School of the church.  He was a member of the National Choir for many years as well as with the Glorious Bank of Akron, Ohio.  During our National Convocation, he felt very honored when a request was made for the Glorious Band to sing “A Beautiful City”. A little nervous, he narrated the song beautifully.

He was known for his loving, considerate and charitable nature. He welcomed a challenge with a strong will and understanding demeanor. A dash of humor made his personality delightful.
His knowledge of most subjects was vast from home improvement to history and his recall for dates was phenomenal.

He was an accomplished Black Belt in Martial Arts, excelled in bowling, excellent cook especially (yams and stuffing), a creative fisherman and loved him some western movies. Deacon McCraney had many passions, one was the motorcycle which he enjoyed until a major accident caused him to retire the bike and his riding.

His greatest passion was his love for his family and all the children in Akron who fondly called him “Pop.” Frequently they would seek him out for counseling and instructions. He always had
kind words, love and inspiration to share.
His natural family was a joy to him and very precious, affording him the ability to give back all the blessings God had given to him. He planted seeds of joy, kindness, compassion, strength,
understanding, love, generosity and steadfastness. He will dearly be missed, but he left a great legacy. The seeds he planted will flourish forever in our hearts producing a garden full of
nourishment, strength and healing.

Honorary Senior Deacon McCraney was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Lillie Bell Lloyd and Claudia Washington, a brother Alphonza McCraney and one daughter, Sister Renee
McCraney.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Mother Mary Davis-McCraney, his children Mark C. McCraney, Yolanda Butler, William (Karla) Dancy, Curtis (Jolin) McCraney, James
(Renee) Ingram, Huldah McCraney, Abigail McCraney, Shala McCraney, one sister Bernice McCraney, one brother Tommy (Mary Joe) McCraney, twelve grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a host of relatives and church friends.