Mr. Ronald “Ron” H. McCravey was born on July 28, 1938 in Whitesburg, TN. He passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 after fighting cancer since 2000. He was a Past Master of Magnolia Lodge #120 F&AM. He was also a 32nd degree Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason. Ron served in the Air Force as a Special Forces Ranger during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Silver Star and distinguished unit citations as well as others. He was also a licensed Coast Guard Captain. Ron retired from Ingalls Shipbuilding after 34 years.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Loretta McCravey; his mother, father, sister, and two half-brothers and long-time friend, Joey Fountain. Survivors include his children, Rhonda (Ralf) Zapata, Lori (Arlin) Richard, and Steven (Tina) McCravey; grandchildren, Courtney, Kelcie, Craig, Ethan, Caleb, Corey, and Lauren; great grandchildren, Jasiel, Uriah, Kaelyn, and Rowan; close friends, Mike McRaney, Russell Flowers and Marianne Rheinlander; and the new love in his life and a special friend, Barbara Parker.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospice Unit for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, he would like donations made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may visit one hour prior. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery with Military Honors and Masonic Rites. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.