Charles Edward "Mac" McCreary

Our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Charles E. McCreary (“Mac”), age 68, passed away peacefully at his home on July 26, 2025. Charles was born July 15, 1957, to Woodrow and Maggie B. McCreary (Williams).

Charles attended Nathan Hale and DeVilbiss High School. At DHS, he dominated the football field as a phenomenal defensive end (#66), leading the team to two back-to-back Shoe Bowl championships. After high school, he took his talents to the football fields of California University of Pennsylvania (#84). His standout college football career was cut short due to a knee injury, but his impact on the game and his teammates remained.

Mac was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Eta Chapter. After receiving his degree from Cal U, Charles dedicated over 40 years to the insurance industry, working at Aetna and later Erie Insurance as a loss control representative and auditor—positions in which he excelled with professionalism and integrity.

Known affectionately as “66,” Mac was a shining light in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. His passing leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Charles is survived by his loving mother, Maggie B. McCreary; siblings Lisa, Carl (“Dip”), Vanessa, Cassandra (“Raddy”), Tony, and Brandy; stepmother Clara McCreary; step-siblings Renee, Sonya, Shavella, and Stacie; special sister Deanna;  goddaughters Talia Kirkland, Monroe Law, Kayaira Sledge, Meredith and Christine Galloway; as well as an uncle, many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father Woodrow McCreary; brother Larry; his beloved “Mama,” Anna Belle McCreary, who was the apple of his eye; special uncle Donald McCreary; special aunt Sharon Bertz; nephew Larry Jr.; and a host of special aunts and uncles.

The family would like to acknowledge the many people who held a special place in Mac’s life, including Jeffrey Jones (Deb), James Cheatham (Liz), Anthony Kirkland (Debra), Michael Todd, Jeffery Singleton (Karen), Dwight Law (Chandra), Gary Mayweather, Charles Hillery, Terry Crosby, all of his former football teammates, and countless others who were like family to him.

                      “Mac’s Light Lives On”

Though the whistle has blown and the game has been called,

Your spirit still runs the field of our hearts.

You taught us strength without pride,

laughter without fear,

and love without condition.

The jersey may rest,

but your number will never fade.

We will carry your smile, your wisdom, and your kindness

like a victory we never lose.

Rest easy, “66.”

Your light will forever shine in every life you touched.

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