Leroy Hamilton McCrerey
Leroy Hamilton McCrerey, 93, of Morgantown, W.Va., much-loved father and grandfather and kind friend to all who knew him, passed away quietly Wednesday, December 5, 2012, in his home, within the comfort of his family.
Mr. McCrerey was born September 10, 1919, in Buffalo Township, a son of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Mae Geer McCrerey.
He graduated from Claysville High School in 1938.
Mr. McCrerey served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operation during World War II as a tank mechanic with the 644th tank destroyer battalion. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and European-African-Middle Easter Service Medal with five service stars.
He was employed as a diesel mechanic by Irvin T. Miller Co. for most of his adult life, enjoying his work repairing heavy equipment until his retirement. It was said he could dissemble any kind of motor or machine to its most minute parts and reassemble it with ease. He earned the reputation of being a perfectionist for the skill he demonstrated on and off the job.
Mr. McCrerey was a lifelong stamp collector, a hobby he took up with his father as a child. At age 75, he gained a new interest, repairing antique clocks. He restored more than 350 clocks in the golden years of his life.
Surviving are five children, Nancy Jane Blackwell (Henry) of Trinity, Texas, Lee Ann Rash (James) of Easton, Md., John S. McCrerey (Becky) of Grand Junction, Colo., Michelle Moore (Thomas McClung) of Morgantown and Michael E. McCrerey of Huntsville, Texas; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Wheat in 1949, and his second wife, Edna Lucille Jenkins in 1996.
He will be interred in West Alexander Cemetery. The family plans a private graveside memorial at a future date. Hastings Funeral Home of Morgantown is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences are available at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.