Reverend Stanley "Stan" Carlton McCready was born January 12, 1938 and died April 17, 2012 after a lengthy illness.
Stan was the eighth of nine children born to Wyndham P. McCready and Almeda Ruth DeBusk McCready of Saltville, Va. His hometown shaped this United Methodist minister to love and treat all people equally and to spread the word of Christ. He was a graduate of Emory and Henry College, attended Emory University, and received his Master’s Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological School in Washington, D.C., in 1969.
Before entering the ministry, Stan taught history at Saltville High School for two years. After seminary, Stan served God and the United Methodist Church, ministering in the Holston Conference. Though he ministered well from the pulpit, many individuals recall Stan most for his private ministry in times of deep need, offering encouragement to them to remain steadfast in their faith in Jesus Christ. Stan served in churches in Virginia and Tennessee: Glade Spring, Glade Spring UMC; Galax area, Gladeville and Mt. Olivet; Cleveland, Wesley Memorial; Chattanooga, First-Centenary UMC; Knoxville, Trinity; Kingsport, Mafair; Bristol, State Street. He also served two years as Development Consultant, Conference Council on Ministries and two years as Associate for Communications. Stan authored one book, "The Shakers Play Better in the Rain."
Stan was preceded in death by his parents and seven of his siblings. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judith T. McCready; two daughters, Jean (Ben) Pitts of Chattanooga and Carla (Brian) Hughes of Ooltewah; a sister, June “Whiz” (Wally) Roberts of Merrillville, In., two grandchildren, Almeda Pitts and Lawson Hughes, brought “Grandydaddy” much satisfaction. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins also survive.
Visitation will be held at the First-Centenary United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 21, from 1-3 p.m. Immediately following, Dr. Gordon Goodgame and Dr. David Harr will lead the celebration of Stan McCready’s life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to First Centenary United Methodist Church are appreciated.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.