Jack Dempsey McCraine

Jack Dempsey McCraine, 78, of Columbus, GA died at Jack Hughston Hospital on Sunday, September 07, 2025.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 AM (EST) on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery with Rev. Jonathan Neese officiating according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM (EST) on Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Mr. McCraine was born September 30, 1946, in Headland, AL son of the late James Milton McCraine, Sr. and Lucille Melba Sanders McCraine Parker. He was a U. S. Navy veteran serving as a Corpsman attached to the Marines during Viet Nam serving two tours. After the war, he joined the civilian workforce, learning to be a Butcher. He plied his trade at various grocery stores, but he spent the majority of his time working for Piggly Wiggly.

He was proud to be sober for 43 years and served as a mentor to others at A.A. The trade he practiced often had men who struggled with this same issue, and he walked beside them even when they may have fallen. He was a teacher of his trade, how to have a good work ethic and how to stay sober. His influence has helped countless numbers of people and families.

Mr. Jack loved cars and in his younger years did drag racing. He was also a joker. He could entertain almost anyone, and a good joke was never far from his lips.

We will remember him as a simple man who loved and provided for his family. He set a steady example of hard work and caring for your spouse. Mr. Jack cared for his late wife for over a decade, meeting her every need after she was diagnosed with MS. As he often said, “I hate to leave good company”, we will miss you so much, but we will always love you.

Mr. Dempsey was preceded in death by his parents, James Milton McCraine, Sr. and Lucille McCraine Parker; two brothers, James Milton McCraine, Jr and David McCraine and his wife, Nancy “Chickie” Giordano McCraine.

Survivors include his two children, Jason Collin McCraine, Duluth, GA and Michelle Nicol Jenson (Taylor), Fortson, GA; one brother, Larry Wayne McCraine (Tommie); four grandchildren, Madison McCraine, Tia Jenson, Lexi Jenson and Maddox Garcia; numerous other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to the, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, National Processing Center, P.O. Box 96764, Washington, DC 20090-6764.