Oran McCune

1927 - 2016

Oran McCune was born on February 2, 1927 to the late Simon and Mamie McCune in Union, Mississippi. Oran had a love for poetry and a thirst for knowledge. He spent hours reading and reciting poetry as well as reading the dictionary to increase his vocabulary. Oran served in the Army during WWII. When he returned from service, Oran attended Jackson State University. While at Jackson State, he had an incredible football career and became a member of Omega Psi Phi. He was the first African American in his hometown to graduate from college. Most importantly at Jackson State, Oran met Hattie Heard, who would become his devoted wife of 66 years. To this union 4 children were born: Oran ll, Ana, Deborah and Simon. He was very proud of his wife, his children and all they accomplished. After graduating from Jackson State, Oran and Hattie moved to Chicago, and he attended graduate school at the University of Chicago, where he received a Master's Degree in Education. After receiving his Master's Degree, Oran went on to be an educator in the Chicago and Gary Public School Districts. A tough disciplinarian, Oran is most known for his work as a Principal at Wirt High School and Ernie Pyle. At Ernie Pyle, he successfully overcame obstacles to make positive changes in the school, which ultimately spilled over in to the community. He also spearheaded Teacher Core, a program which afforded the opportunity for those interested to receive a degree in teaching. After retirement, Oran continued his education by taking various classes and continuing to read until his sight failed. Oran was a man that wore many hats in his career, and he accomplished a great deal. He was a Teacher, Counselor, Principal, and Father. But the job that he was proudest of and did to perfection was Grandfather, or lovingly G Pop. Oran had 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, whom he loved very much. He loved spending time with each of them, telling them about their family history, and teaching them about so many of the things he had learned and read. Oran leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Hattie; his children: Oran McCune II, Ana McCune (Special Daughter), Deborah McCune, and Simon (Kara) McCune; and his grandchildren: Amy Williams, Alex Williams, Tristan Van de Velde, Yann Van de Velde and Simon McCune, II. Visitation Friday, August 26, 2016 from 9-10:00 a.m. Family hour 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. all services at St. Timothy Community Church 1600 W. 25th Ave. Rev. R. E. Robinson officiating.