He was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi on July 7, 1938 to Nona B. McCraven (King) and Thomas McCraven, Sr.
At the tender age of 6, he battled polio disease and lost all muscle in his right leg. His parents were told that if he survived, he would never walk again. Determined to beat the odds, Thomas’ strong-willed determination and always positive attitude proved the doctors wrong. He participated in sports activities, attended school, and was a favorite amongst his classmates for his jovial personality.
He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1956 and attended Tennessee State University, where he pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated (Zeta Alpha Chapter, 1957). He began his career with the Memphis City Schools system in 1962 and taught thousands of students at both the elementary and high school levels. After 42 years of exemplary service to education, he retired from A. B. Hill Elementary School in Memphis in 2004. The impact in the lives of his students is immeasurable as he was often a father figure to many from single parent households and a positive male role model to them all.
Mac was happiest with the simple things in life. He enjoyed sitting outside on his patio watching the birds, barbecue grilling, sports, nature and science television shows and joking with friends and family. He was a devoted husband and partner to his wife of 48 years, Geneva, and a doting, loving and supportive father to his three daughters, Adrianne, Tiffani and Genesha.
In addition to his wife and daughters, his memory will be cherished by his sister, Barbara Jean; his grandsons, Daniel and Isaiah; and his many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, former students, and colleagues.
A Celebration of Life Gathering for Thomas will be held Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at MEMPHIS FUNERAL HOME, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the McCraven family.
