April 26, 1934 – June 27, 2012

CLYDE —  Joseph Virgil McCracken, 78, passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Roy and Lucy Hipps McCracken.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gregory McCracken.  Joe will be remembered for his kind nature and would help anyone in need.  He especially loved children.  They were the light of his life.  Joe retired in 1990 from Champion International and enjoyed farming, raising cattle, goats, and cultivating a garden.

He is survived by a special friend, Helen Mack, and family, of Clyde; three sons, Todd McCracken, of Raleigh, Keith McCracken, of Clyde, and Eric McCracken, of Asheville; one sister, Dorothy ...