John Frank McCrimmon

Mr. John Frank McCrimmon, age 88, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC.

Obituary

John Frank McCrimmon, son of the late John Willie McCrimmon and Maggie Thomas McCrimmon, was born on July 14, 1937, in Clio, South Carolina. He was the youngest of seven children. Peacefully, he departed this life on May 17, 2026.

At an early age, John became a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in South Carolina, where he faithfully served until relocating to Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, he worked in the cotton fields alongside his father and siblings. Through those early experiences, his father taught him the value of hard work and the skill of repairing automobiles, often reminding him that “working ain’t never killed anybody.”

In 1957, John moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he met and married the love of his life, Alice Lindsey McCrimmon. From this union, they were blessed with a daughter, Valerie M. Rhodes. John worked for a clothing merchandise company in Lower Manhattan for eleven years before continuing his career at Baldwin Steel Company in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he worked for nine years.

In 1977, John relocated his family to Sanford, North Carolina, his wife’s hometown. There, he joined Ward Memorial Church and remained a devoted and faithful member, while continuing to support his home church, Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in South Carolina.

John later worked at Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant, where he received a Certificate Achievement Award of Appreciation in 1986 for his dedication and commitment. Afterward, he worked for W.E. Garrison Company until his retirement.

Even after retirement, John continued using the knowledge and skills his father had taught him. He became known throughout the neighborhood and surrounding communities for repairing lawn mowers, weed eaters, and many types of small engines and equipment. Through this work, he built friendships and fellowship with many in the community.

John deeply loved his family and cherished every opportunity to return to South Carolina for homecomings, cookouts, family reunions, and church anniversaries. He especially looked forward to his weekly calls from home. In recognition of his character and service, he received the “Man of the Year Award – 2nd Place” from Mt. Tabor Baptist Church on June 21, 1998. In 2022, he was honored as the oldest man in the church and praised for his commitment to helping others and serving the community.

A devoted husband and family man, John lovingly cared for his wife when her health began to decline. He enjoyed deep sea fishing with his brother-in-law, Andrew Lindsey, and attending gospel singing events with his dear friend, Larry Harris.

John was preceded in death by his parents John Willie McCirmmon and Maggie Thomas McCrimmon; his daughter, Valerie Rhodes; and his siblings, Prentis Gillespie, Rosalee M. McRae, Delia Smith, Romella Pouncy, Henry B. McCrimmon, and Wille B. McCrimmon.

In God’s tender loving care, John leaves to cherish his precious memories: his devoted wife, Alice McCrimmon; daughter, Vanessa Buchanan of Brooklyn, New York; granddaughter, Eboni Welcher (Gregg) of Augusta, Georgia; grandsons, Troy Brooks Jr. of Clarksville, Tennessee, Jason Thomas, Jamel Buchanan, and Damian Thomas of Brooklyn, New York; great-grandchildren, Theodore R. Wilson IV, Gianna Welcher, and Gekere Welcher of Augusta, Georgia, as well as Taleia Brooks, Autumn Rose Brooks, and Tamir Brooks of Clarksville, Tennessee; a special niece, Viola Davis of Bennettsville, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC