Leon E. McCrary

Leon E. McCrary, age 88, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at Cape Canaveral Hospital Hospice.

Born on February 2, 1937, in Cisco, Texas, Leon was the beloved son of Hugh and Ola (Foy) McCrary. He grew up with a strong sense of faith, family, and community that guided him throughout his life.

Leon married his devoted wife, Donna McCrary, with whom he shared 67 years of love and partnership. Together they built a family rooted in kindness and resilience. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharla Zamora, and is survived by his children Rex McCrary and LeAnn McCrary along with five cherished grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Edna Lane, Mary Brown, and Hugh McCrary, and survived by his sister Anna Poe.
Faith was a cornerstone of Leon's life. He even helped establish a church in St. Louis and remained actively involved in church activities and Bible studies throughout his life.

Professionally, Leon dedicated his career as an engineer and executive to advancing the aviation and space industries. He contributed to advancements in several programs, including the Space Lab. His work reflected his passion for exploration and innovation, which he greatly enjoyed.

At the age of 60, he embraced fitness as a regular part of his life. With the guidance of excellent trainers and personal dedication, he achieved remarkable success-breaking records in his weight class and age group within the Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation.

Leon worked with the Appalachia Service Project for nine years. During this time, he mentored local high school students throughout the school year and accompanied them on summer trips to Central Appalachia. His dedication helped repair and replace homes for low-income families, leaving a lasting impact on both the communities served and the young people he guided.

In retirement, Leon and Donna made their home in Cocoa Beach, FL first as winter residents for nine years before becoming permanent members of the community eight years ago. Leon quickly became an important part of his community, welcoming new neighbors with warmth and leading initiatives that made a difference. He was passionate about preserving his condo association's dunes, took the lead on several construction projects, and was always ready to lend a helping hand with a smile. His generosity and leadership touched and enriched the lives of many people.

Leon will be remembered for his dedication to family, faith in God, his professional achievements in the space industry, and his tireless efforts to support and uplift those around him. His legacy lives in the community he helped build and in the hearts of those who knew him.

Leon's Celebration of Life Service will be held on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverside Presbyterian Church, 3400 N. Atlantic Blvd., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. A time of food, fellowship, and sharing will follow the service in the church's Fellowship Hall.

Leon was deeply thankful for life and wanted his service to reflect that gratitude, a true celebration. To honor his request, please wear bright colors.

The family requests that donations be made in memory of "Leon McCrary" to "Riverside Presbyterian Church", "Family Promise of Brevard", or the charity of your choice.

Riverside Presbyterian Church
• Give by Check:
payable to: "Riverside Presbyterian Church"
mail to: 3400 N. Atlantic Blvd., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

• Give Online:
https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1521836

Family Promise of Brevard
• Give by Check:
payable to: "Family Promise of Brevard"
mail to: 114 1st Street, Cocoa, FL 32922

• Give Online:
https://www.familypromiseofbrevard.org/donate