Grady Edward McCright

Grady Edward McCright, age 81, of Grapeland, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, the 15th day of January 2025 surrounded by his loving family.  Born on the 18th day of February 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to parents Ray McCright and Marguerite Ross McCright.  Mr. McCright led a full and compassionate life marked by devotion to his family, his faith, and his community.

Mr. McCright grew up in Hooks, Texas, attending Hooks schools. He knew at a very early age he wanted to become an engineer.  He attended Texas Tech and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at Little Rock University in 1966. Prior to graduation he received a job offer from NASA and promptly accepted, moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico and White Sands Test Facility. He had a 32-year career with NASA with moves between New Mexico and the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. His final move within NASA was to White Sands Test Facility, retiring as manager of the facility. While at NASA he attended multiple professional and managerial development programs including the Professional Management Development Program at Harvard School of Business. One of Mr. McCright’s greatest accomplishments while at NASA was directing the landing of a Space Shuttle on a dry lakebed at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.  Mr. McCright had the privilege of serving on the original Board of Directors of Space Center Houston at the Johnson Space Center, overseeing the design, development and construction of the facility. 

A man of deep faith, Mr. McCright was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Grapeland, where he demonstrated his commitment to his community and his Lord.  His Christian values were at the forefront of his life, and he actively embodied these principles through his actions and service.  Mr. McCright’s dedication to helping others was further exemplified by his time spent volunteering with a fire department in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, where he made an indelible impact and formed lifelong friendships.

Mr. McCright’s interests and hobbies were as diverse as they were passionate.  He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He had an avid interest in HAM radio, connecting with people from all walks of life around the world. Mr. McCright was recruiting some of his grandchildren into the hobby, providing them with equipment needed to begin the hobby.  Mr. McCright was a published author of both fiction and non-fiction works.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Marguerite McCright.

Mr. McCright is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Marie McCright, with whom he shared a life filled with love, mutual respect and adventure.  His legacy continues through his children, Kimberly Graf and her husband Thomas, Lisa Dossey and her husband David, sons Christopher Nolan and his wife Robin, Gregory Nolan, and Steven Nolan and his wife Maya.  He cherished his role as a grandfather to 15 grandchildren, 4 grandchildren of his heart and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother, Paul McCright, brother-in-law Art Compton and wife Kay, sister-in-law Helen Hart and husband Doug, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members, each carrying a piece of Mr. McCright’s legacy forward.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Grady McCright is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Saturday, the 1st day of February at First Baptist Church Grapeland with Bro. Jack Chelf and Bro. Tim Smith officiating the service.

Friends are invited to visit with the family and share fond memories of Grady one hour prior to the start of the service in the foyer of First Baptist Church Grapeland.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Enhabit Hospice Care, especially Amanda Winkleman and Taylor Franks for their kind, compassionate care of our loved one.

In the quiet moments of reflection, we will find solace in our memories of Grady – a devoted husband, a loving father, and adoring grandfather, and a great-grandfather, a caring brother, and a faithful friend.  His legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire us all for generations to come.

Memorial and cremation services for Grady Edward McCright are in Care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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