James Larry McCraney

Mr. McCraney is preceded in death by his parents William and Addie McCraney. He is survived by his loving wife Karen, his three daughters Lauren McCraney, Lindsey McCraney, and Jena (Scott) McEwen, his two stepsons Andrew Davis and Matthew Davis. His 12 grandchildren: Grace and Hunter Mueller, Justin, Jake, Judd, and James Cole, William and Katherine McEwen, Avery and Grant Davis, Hayden and Lola Davis. His twin brother Garry (Carol) McCraney and sister Sharon McCraney. Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews as well as his beloved comfort dog Pippa.

Larry was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi on September 16, 1950. Following his graduation from the University of Southern Mississippi in Industrial Management he went to work for Van Heusen in Southeast Alabama. He transitioned to a career in the body armor industry at American Body Armor in Jacksonville, FL in 1992. Shortly afterwards he accepted the position of Vice President of Operations at Second Chance Body Armor in Central Lake, MI. For the past 11 years, until his retirement in May 2017, he served as President of Survival Armor in Fort Myers, FL. He was a predominate fixture and well respected expert in the ballistic resistant field. After his diagnosis of ALS in January 2011, he began to advocate with the Florida chapter of the ALS Association.

Mr. McCraney was happiest being surrounded by his family and friends. He loved watching his grandchildren participate in their various activities. He had a standing date with his wife attending Saturday Mass followed by pizza at Nino’s restaurant. Larry loved golf both as a player and spectator, was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, enjoyed SEC football (War Eagle), and was an amateur Fox News analyst. He loved being on the water listening to Jimmy Buffett and cruising on his pontoon in the Gulf and lakes of Northern Michigan. He was often the rule maker, and breaker, not only in that order.

The Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, in Ft. Myers (dignitymemorial.com), has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made in honor of James Larry McCraney to the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association and/or your local ALS chapter.

The ALS Association Florida

3242 Parkside Center Circle

Tampa, FL 33619

A memorial service will be held at St. John XXIII, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Visitation will begin at 10:15 Saturday June 17th, followed by a Funeral Mass. A luncheon will be hosted by the family.