Introduction
Country music star and former “American Idol” winner, Scotty McCreery, shared heartbreaking news with fans today, January 14th, announcing the unexpected passing of his beloved grandfather, Bill McCreery.
McCreery took to social media to express his grief, revealing that his grandfather, who had just celebrated his 86th birthday, passed away last Sunday. He honored his grandfather’s remarkable life, highlighting his dedicated service of 20 years in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command, followed by a decade with the U.S. Civil Service at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. Scotty remembered him as a “hard worker” with a “good-natured” spirit and a “hearty laugh,” who truly “lived life to the fullest.”
Beyond his distinguished career, Granddad McCreery was deeply committed to his family. Scotty shared that his grandfather had been married to his grandmother, Paquita, for 57 years, and together they raised three children and were a source of inspiration for their six grandchildren. McCreery fondly recalled his grandfather’s vibrant personality, noting he drove a black Mustang convertible and could still dive off his backyard pool’s diving board.
As the only grandson, Scotty expressed his honor in carrying on the family name, and thanked his grandfather for the invaluable lessons in “love and respect,” as well as golf and diving. He also humorously credited his grandfather for the distinctive “McCreery deep voice.”
McCreery also shared a touching photo collage on Twitter in memory of his grandfather, emphasizing the profound impact he had on his life.