Thomas “Tom” Harold McCracken, 74, of Paragould, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, March 7, 2024. He was born January 8, 1950, in Bell City, Missouri, to Marion and Eva McCracken. He spent many years loving his wife, Judy, who cared for him until his last moments. Tom, or T-Mac, as he jokingly referred to himself, was a man not easily forgotten. Having made a reputation for himself as the man to never let you wonder what he was thinking, his favorite memories included those where he was the hero in someone’s story. He truly was a man with many stories to share.
Tom was a local law enforcement officer for many years. He was a regular at Terry’s Café, prior to its closure, spending many a morning getting breakfast with his son or granddaughters. He is remembered fondly for his love of music, carefree dancing, and unpredictable personality. Tom was a jokester. He was always searching for the next bargain. He enjoyed teaching his grandsons to tinker in the shop and to drive the golf cart. Tom could be seen driving his golf cart to the creek or taking his great-grandsons for a “forgiveness over permission” candy run.
Tom’s vision for his life was to be successful, to help the less fortunate, and to create lasting memories with those he cared deeply about. Tom would want to be remembered for his sense of humor and his devotion to his family. His legacy will remain throughout the lives of his family in the stories we will share in his honor. His family would be remiss not mentioning “the red bird story” as one of his favorites to recount in his final months.
Survivors include his wife, Judy McCracken and daughter, Misty McCracken, of the home; eldest son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Rachel McCracken; granddaughters and great-grandsons who he would have spent every day with had it been possible.
The family will receive friends Sunday, March 10, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home.