Jack Henry McCreary

Jack graduated from Weatherford High School in 1943 and signed up for the Navy at the age of 17 to serve in World War II. During this time he accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized in the Pacific Ocean. This was a decision that would impact every facet of his life and touch the lived of countless others. After his discharge, he attended Weatherford Junior College for 2 years and then attended Baylor University in Waco on the GI bill. He earned his BBA in 1950 and went on to earn his JD from Baylor University Law School in 1951. While at Baylor, he played on the golf team along with Bob Dodson, whose sister, Dorothy Dodson, Jack married in 1949. Jack then started his law career in Taft, Texas, before relocating to Austin, Texas, in 1952.

After working 8 years for Ross Terry, Jack began his own law firm, which is today known as McCreary, Veselka, Bragg, and Allen. Jack and Dot raised two daughters in Austin, Beverly Jean and Jo Anne. Jack was very active in Baptist life throughout the state of Texas. He was ordained a deacon and taught Sunday school at Allandale Baptist Church, and continued to serve in those capacities at Hyde Park Baptist Church. He was later a charter member of Austin Baptist Church where was recently named Deacon Emeritus. He was known for his empathic statement, “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!” He served on the board of Buckner Benevolences for 25 years and upon his retirement was named a member emeritus. He was on the Committee of 100 of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He was chairman of counciling for the first Billy Graham file showing in Austin, in addition, he also furthered the cause of Christ working with Campus Crusade, Operation Brotherhood, Gideons International, and numerous other Christian organizations.

Jack was a member in good standing with Masonic Lodge in Austin and Weatherford as a member of Shriners. He served on the Seton Hospital Fund when it was formed. He also held membership at the Austin Country Club, Headliners Club, and Onion Creek Country Club. Politically, he sat on the board of the Texas Aeronautics Commission and ran twice for Mayor of Austin, Texas. In his spare time he was an avid golfer and fisherman, and then he spent many hours working on his ranch in Bell County, Texas.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a friend to all. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, an infant son (William Henry), and his daughter (Jo Anne). He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Dorothy, his daughter Beverly, and his three grandsons and their wives. The family would like to thank Seton Hospital, Sister Gertrude, and his loving caregiver Dolores Galvez. They would also like to thank Cook-Walden Funeral Home and Austin Baptist Church for their love and support.

There will be a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home on North Lamar Blvd. The family graveside service will be held this Thursday, February, 14, 2013, to be followed by a service of celebration at 1:00 pm at Austin Baptist Church. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lamplighters Class and Deacons of Austin Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the “Up to the Mountain” Fund of Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Drive, Austin, TX 78750, or a charity of your choice. Jack McCreary will be missed, but our loss is Heaven’s gain.