Donald Robert McCreary

Donald Robert McCreary, of St.Petersburg FL and Cashiers NC, passed away peacefully outside in his garden on July 21, 2023. He was born on April 18, 1938, in Tallahassee, Florida, he attended Leon High School and was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame.

Donald received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Florida, where he was a pitcher for the Gator Baseball team, a brother of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Second Cadet in ROTC and honored as a Florida Blue Key member. After graduating he played baseball for the Yankees' minor league team in Fargo ND. Then served as a First Lieutenant in the Army, where he played a crucial role as an Air Defense Officer during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His service demonstrated both his bravery and loyalty to protecting his country.

Don continued his education by earning a Masters in Business Administration while working with his mentors at Misner Marine Construction. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start and manage his own company, ClarMac Marine Construction. His commitment to excellence and unwavering work ethic earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues and peers. ClarMac’s bridges, seawalls and underwater pipelines continue to serve Floridians all across the state.
Outside of his profession, Don enjoyed sailboat racing with the SPYC, he was drawn to the thrill of competition on the open water. He also had a passion for flying his airplanes from Albert Witted Airport throughout the country and into Canada, which fueled his adventurous spirit.



Upon retirement, Don decided to hike the Appalachian Trail. This incredible feat demonstrated his physical endurance, perseverance and determination, as well as his enduring love of nature. He also traveled extensively exploring almost all of the U.S. National Parks and many natural wonders throughout the world.

Don sustained his love of sports by participating in Senior Softball Leagues throughout his retirement. His athletic abilities provided opportunities to play on several teams and compete in numerous tournaments across the country; culminating in an invitation to play in the 80+ Softball World Series in Las Vegas. He relished the camaraderie of his teammates and the sense of community softball provided.



Donald Robert McCreary will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his second wife, Sandra Spitzer McCreary along with his children: Robert Steven McCreary, Nicole McCreary Weber and son-in-law Joshua Weber; and grandchildren, Harrison Weber, Gabrielle Weber, Dylan Weber, and Olivia Weber. Additionally he is survived by his stepson Colby Hill and step-grandchildren, Tyler Hill, Savannah Hill, Olivia Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Sue Pittman McCreary, his wife Virginia Sellner McCreary and stepson, Nathaniel Hill.



A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery, on August 18, 2023. Friends and family are invited to gather at 10:15 AM by the Cemetery entrance. The address is 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. The family welcomes donations made in Don’s memory to the National Park Foundation at https://give.nationalparks.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app20013b?5240.donation=form1&idb=112012653&df_id=5240&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=8A6DCE391433B9CF851726A303483EA7&rc=CKNPF-PROS-GOOGLE-GS-ALL-US-BRAND-All-18t65P&s_subsrc=23D00WWD-X0G2X&utm_campaign=2023CKADS&utm_source=ck-ad&utm_medium=Google&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2qKmBhCfARIsAFy8buIH60oDFU_0VCEO1ojKV64uBmNpQP_6J1varloTcBe9YbClgocvABEaAtvfEALw_wcB


Donald Robert McCreary will be remembered as a remarkable individual who embraced life to the fullest. His dedication, adventurous nature, and unwavering commitment to his loved ones will forever remain in our hearts. May he rest in peace.