Douglas Langston McCrary was born in Centreville, AL, April 24, 1929. He passed away after a short illness on January 5, 2019. Douglas served in the U.S. Air Force from 1946-1949. He received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1952 and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering in 1953 from Auburn University. He also attended Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program in 1979. McCrary received the Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Alumnus Award from Auburn University in 1988 and was elected to the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. He was a registered professional engineer in Alabama and was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
McCrary was associated with the Southern Company electric system from 1953 when he joined Alabama Power Company to 1994 when he retired from Gulf Power Company. He advanced through numerous engineering, management, and executive positions with Alabama Power Company, Southern Company Services, and ultimately became President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Gulf Power Company until his retirement from Gulf Power Company. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Southern Company as well as served as a member of the Board of Directors for Southern Electric International.
He was a member of the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council and the Auburn Alumni Mechanical Engineering Advisory Committee, as well as, the Advisory Board of the University of West Florida. McCrary served as a member of the Board of Directors of Tannehill International Industries of Lynn Haven, Florida, and Baskerville-Donovan, Inc., of Pensacola, FL. He also served on the Southeastern Electric Reliability Council, Southeastern Electric Exchange, Florida Electric Coordinating Group, Florida Council of 100, Florida Chamber, Gulf Coast Economic Club, the United Way of Northwest Florida Board, Sacred Heart Foundation Board, YMCA, Pensacola Historical Society, Junior Achievement and a host of other civic and community organizations.
Douglas was preceded in death by: his son, Mark Lynn McCrary; his mother, Daisye Langston McCrary and his father, Jewel Watson McCrary. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Sara Hicks McCrary; his daughter, Laura McCrary Gasser (John); his son, Charles Douglas McCrary (Phyllis); two grandsons Douglas Lang McCrary (Lisa) and Alex Brantley McCrary (Sara Kathryn) and 5 adoring great grandchildren, Lucille Rae, Samantha Jane, Margot Leighton, Ann Brantley and Charles Langston McCrary; his siblings, Dorothy McCrary Purcell, brother, Jewel Rexford McCrary (Camille) and Mary Ellen Nunnelly (Thomas) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a brilliant man who loved solving problems. He loved to repair broken items regardless of whether it was a watch, typewriter, car or juke boxes. His problem solving excelled in his business life as well and he always conducted his problem solving with honesty and integrity. He had a wonderful sense of humor and he was a great musician who loved to play the trumpet and guitar. He loved to dig in the dirt and grow anything as a Master Gardener. Douglas treated everyone with dignity and respect and made everyone feel important. He will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made.