Eddie D. Mc.Gary, Sr.

Obituary Eddie D. McGary was born on December 7, 1935, in North Little Rock, Arkansas; the second of two sons born to the union of Herman and Pauline McGary. Eddie departed this life on June 23, 2018. He was preceded in death by both parents; his wife, Ethel L. McGary; a son, Eddie D. McGary, Jr. and his brother, Herman McGary, Jr. Eddie graduated from Scipio A. Jones High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. He played baseball and football for three years and his football team won the State Championship all three years. This is when he began to develop a work ethic that he would continue throughout his lifetime. He was recognized for Perfect Attendance in school from the 8th grade through his high school graduation. He graduated in 1953 with Honors, earning him a full Athletic Scholarship to attend Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. In 2006, Eddie was inducted into the Scipio A. Jones High School Football Hall of Fame. While at Langston, he played football and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He graduated from Langston University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and a Minor in Mathematics. He was then drafted into the United States Army. After being discharged he relocated to Kansas City, Missouri and began working at the University of Kansas Medical Center as a Supervisor in the Microbiology Unit. It was then he met and later married his future wife, Ethel L. Arrington. Eddie was offered a position with the Food & Drug Administration as a Chemist. He readily accepted and thus began his long career with FDA. He was the first black Chemist to be hired by FDA in the four state region Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. His research has been published in the Journal of Agriculture & Food Chemistry, The Analyst, Journal of Pharmaceutical Science & Analytical Letters. He served as an EEOC Counselor for over twenty-one years, and also served on FDA’s Research Review Board for over five years. He retired from FDA in April 2013, after fifty four years of service. Eddie was a Charter Member of the United Missionary Baptist Church, which was established in 1973. He served diligently until his health began to fail. While at United he served in many capacities over the years. He was a Trustee, a Sunday School Teacher, President and member of the Choir, and for years he was the head of the Finance Committee. In 2015, he was named a "Honorary Deacon" at United. He loved United with all his heart and supported the Pastor and members in whatever way was needed! He loved to sing and he loved to write songs. He actually wrote the lyrics to "I Really Love the Lord", a song that has become a staple in the New Era District Baptist Church Association. Eddie’s hobbies included coin collecting, gardening, and fishing. He loved nothing better than to spend an entire day on the banks of the lake fishing with his son and grandsons. Any day spent fishing was an absolutely great day for him. Eddie D. McGary was married to Ethel L. McGary for fifty-seven years until her passing in November, 2016. Eddie D. Mcgary, Sr. leaves to celebrate his home-going; one son, Brian A. McGary of Blue Springs, Missouri; two daughters, Donna M. Stevenson and Avis D. McGary, both of Kansas City, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren: Lamont D. Stevenson, Andre D. Stevenson (Kristen), Kellia N. McGary-Hicks, Simone C. McGary, Prentiss D. McGary (LaShonda), Kaven D. McGary, Madison D. McGary, Cheyenne D. McGary, Daleisha N. Gipson, Darrin Keith, Jr., Erika Keith, Nicole Abbott, Janay Abbott, Lanay Abbott, Michael Mann, Reverend Buddy D. King and Reggie King; fifteen great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; Queen McGary of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Patsy Lumpkin (Ron) of University City, Missouri; three brothers-in-law: Amos Arrington of Raymore, Missouri, Ferdie Reed and Joe L. Ar-rington (Yvonne) both of Broseley, Missouri; a special nephew, Donnell Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on for generations to come. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eddie D. Mc.Gary, Sr., please visit our floral store. Read More

Eddie D. Mc.Gary, Sr.

December 7, 1935 - June 23, 2018