Paul Frederick Mc Craw, 83

Paul Frederick Mc Craw, 83, died on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at his home. Paul was preceded in death by his parents William Mc Kinley and Connie Mc Craw, and siblings William Mc Craw, Mae Young, JB Mc Craw, Mary Sue Funt, Edith Mc Craw and an infant brother.

Paul was born in Polk County and graduated from Dana High School. He joined the United States Army in 1948 as a combat engineer and was a proud veteran of both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Era where he served multiple tours. Paul was a recipient of the Bronze Star. On his nineteenth birthday he was participating in the Inchon invasion. After retiring from the Army, Paul and his family moved back to Hendersonville where he worked briefly for General Electric and then the Department of Corrections.

Paul was a man of honesty and integrity always steadfast in his love for his family. He loved gardening, and he spent a lot of time in his "workshop" with safety his number one rule. To his family he was a mentor, their rock and foundation, loving husband and dad who will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his "Frau" of 56 years Maria, his daughter Renee and her husband Jim Barnett of Flat Rock NC, son Paul Jr. and his wife Tina of Boiling Springs, SC, and grandsons: Jamie and Jesse Barnett of Flat Rock, NC and Alex and Tyler Mc Craw both of Boiling Springs, SC. Paul is also survived by two brothers: Plato Mc Craw and his wife Ethel of Flat Rock, NC and Leo Mc Craw and his wife Peggy of Fletcher NC and one sister: Pearl Mc Craw Day of Edneyville, NC.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2015 at Jones Cemetery on Upward Road in Hendersonville, NC. The family will receive friends at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Home, 125 South Church Street, Hendersonville, at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2015. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.