More detail on this person: LTC. (Ret.) Thomas Michael McCrary, 72, of Fair Oaks Ranch passed away of cancer on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. Thomas (best known as Tom or Tommy) was born October 13, 1944 in Dallas, Texas to James C. McCrary and Annette Elora Robinson McCrary. He married the love of his life, Vicki Anne Creasey of Oklahoma City on September 2, 1967. They were college sweethearts at Oklahoma State University where they met. He always said she was his heartbeat. Tom began his Army Career on September 5, 1967, reporting for duty to Fort Sam Houston, Texas to the Army Medical Dept. Officer Basic Course. His next duty assignment was Fort Wolters, Texas to begin his Army Aviation Training and in 1967, he then went to Fort Hunter-Stewart where he graduated as a Rotary Wing Aviator. Upon graduation he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division Vietnam where he flew MEDEVAC (DUSTOFF) Helicopters, risking his life to save wounded soldiers. On one of these missions, he was shot down but his courage and strength gave him the determination to complete his missions. Tom returned to the U.S. and went on to various duty assignments with his wife, Vicki. Tom accomplished a great deal throughout his military career and was recognized for his outstanding achievements. He was a Battalion Commander, a MedEvac Detachment Commander, and an instructor at Fort Sam Houston. He received many awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal (17), and National Defense Service Medal among many others. He also received his Senior Army Aviator Badge and went to Air Assault School and Armed Forces Staff College. He retired in September 1989 after 22 years of service. After his illustrious military career and short time as an outstanding realtor, he officially retired and spent most of his time doing what he loved most - playing golf. In doing so, he met a great group of gentlemen who became his closest friends. This group, who called themselvesThe Grinders, met several times a week. Tom was an inspiration to everyone that knew him. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Annette Elora Rule and Frank V. Rule, his stepfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki; his princess daughter, Nikki Sandoval; his little princess granddaughter, Mercedes (Cedee); and his grandson, Scooter Matthew (Matty). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wounded Warriors Project. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com and select the Obituaries tab. Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne
This information was last updated 07/31/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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