Metro Atlanta Georgia physician and community leader. He was a beloved child of God, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and skilled physician/surgeon who showed great love and compassion in the care of all his patients, for over twenty years. He was no ordinary man and accepted his calling and thereby embodied the Christian spirit throughout his life in caring for, aiding, and uplifting those in need. McCree was a tireless scholar of medicine who brought proud dignity to his profession and stood as a shining example of dedication, service, and commitment. He was lovingly and affectionately applauded for his work by his multitude of patients throughout the years for the skill, concern, and dedication he demonstrated in their care. McCree's love of people went beyond healing the sick. Throughout his life God gave him very great gifts and he bore great burdens which he bore all with dignity and grace. He came from a generation of indomitable African Americans who would not be turned around blocked or stopped by anything.
His lineage which permeated his life was an enormous influence on him and what he would become. Otis William McCree, the precious gift (only child) of John William, Jr. and Ida Glover McCree was born on Dec. 16, 1914, in College Park, Georgia. He was known to family and friends as "Mac". At age three his beloved mother Ida died during the nationwide influenza epidemic. Like many youths of his time and place, he had dreams.
At a very young age, he had a powerful desire and determination to become a doctor. McCree received his early education in the public schools of College Park, and at Knowles High of Atlanta University. He spent three years at Englewood High School in Chicago, graduating in 1932 with honors. His unquenchable desire to become a doctor granted him the opportunity to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta where he received his B. S. degree and graduated at the head of his class in 1936. While there, he excelled as an academic scholar and he also became a member of the illustrious Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and played the violin (which he learned at age 5) in the Morehouse Orchestra. There followed six years of very successful and highly regarded service as a teacher of science at Booker T. Washington in Atlanta, during which period he completed a Master of Science degree at Atlanta University in 1938.
In Atlanta on April 8, 1942, McCree united in holy matrimony to Lena Singleton, and to this union two daughters and one son were born. That same year he also composed a song for his wife Lena entitled "My Sweetheart of The U. S. A. " (which is on file at the National Archives in Washington, D. C). Shortly thereafter was enabled by an Army Reserve program to begin the study of medicine.
In 1946, his dream was realized when he graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, second in his class. While at Meharry, McCree served as the Treasurer of his class and Polemarch of the Kappa Alpha Psi chapter there. Released from military service at the same time, he then began a residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, which was followed by four years of general practice in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In 1951, McCree was recalled to military duty in the U. S. Army as a physician and served two more years attaining the rank of Captain until he was honorably discharged. He found the call of his hometown irresistible, and he and his family moved to College Park, to begin over twenty years of dedicated and untiring service to the people of this community and Metro Atlanta. McCree later also was chosen as the first doctor on staff at East Point's South Fulton Medical Center (now Atlanta Medical Center – South Campus) when it opened in 1963. His selfless dedication to his patients and commitment to providing personal, individual attention were some of the keys to his successful practice which earned him a well-respected reputation in the community. He also was among the few physicians who continued to make house calls.
A noted speaker in the community McCree was often referred to as "Dr. Preacher" for his speaking ability. Quite simply, there was truly nothing that McCree valued and loved more than his family. Time spent with loved ones is what brought him the most pleasure. The cornerstone of his family, he was a devoted family man who always saw that the family's needs were met. and he shared his love daily with his wife and three children amidst a busy schedule. McCree, an exemplary role model taught his children to give back and help others. He also was dedicated to the rest of his family and friends and would avail himself to support them in any way he could. McCree enthusiastically served the people of College Park, surrounding towns, and Metro Atlanta for two decades until severe illness resulting from a stroke forced him into retirement during the mid-1970s. His remaining years were filled with overcoming obstacles, learning new ways of doing things and igniting creativity – with lots of love. Despite a determination to return to his practice and after several years of failing health, our beloved one peacefully departed this life into the embrace of God on the evening of Oct. 10, 1982. For, we are sojourners upon the earth and our times are in God's Hands. It brought to a close a remarkable life and an amazing journey. At his funeral service which reflected his life and faith, he was remembered by multitudes as a scholar and dedicated family physician. The remarkable outpouring and love at the time of his death and even now are a testament to his legacy, and proof, of the many lives McCree touched. As a member of the College Park and Atlanta communities; he was an active participant in several civic and social organizations which included as a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Atlanta Medical Association, the National Medical Association, the Fulton County Medical Society, Chairman of the College Park Extension Section of the Butler Street YMCA Membership Campaign, Morehouse Alumni Association and as a lifelong member of Laster Chapel United Methodist Church of College Park, Georgia.
During his lifetime McCree received many awards recognizing his humanism and excellence in medicine and the community, including the recipient of the President's Award (1971) by Meharry College and the prestigious Nash-Carter Award (1974) presented by the Atlanta Medical Association, Inc. In June of 1981, the College Park community recognized their native son for his outstanding practice, scholarship, and dedication in the field of medicine. The mayor and city of College Park declared that Sunday as Otis W. McCree Day in the city.
It is reasonable to assume that any success in service which may have been his was also a part of the Divine plan for his life. Those who knew him will remember all their days some special thoughtful kindness, a word, a smile, and a deed, reaching out a helping hand when he saw a need. We commend him to the serenity, peace, and blessing of eternal life. We rest in our faith in God and in the knowledge that we will one day be reunited with him. This wonderful human being will never be forgotten.
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?
Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?
And - How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?
But - Had he befriended those really in need?
Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But - How many were sorry when he passed away?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Author: Anonymous
His lineage which permeated his life was an enormous influence on him and what he would become. Otis William McCree, the precious gift (only child) of John William, Jr. and Ida Glover McCree was born on Dec. 16, 1914, in College Park, Georgia. He was known to family and friends as "Mac". At age three his beloved mother Ida died during the nationwide influenza epidemic. Like many youths of his time and place, he had dreams.
At a very young age, he had a powerful desire and determination to become a doctor. McCree received his early education in the public schools of College Park, and at Knowles High of Atlanta University. He spent three years at Englewood High School in Chicago, graduating in 1932 with honors. His unquenchable desire to become a doctor granted him the opportunity to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta where he received his B. S. degree and graduated at the head of his class in 1936. While there, he excelled as an academic scholar and he also became a member of the illustrious Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and played the violin (which he learned at age 5) in the Morehouse Orchestra. There followed six years of very successful and highly regarded service as a teacher of science at Booker T. Washington in Atlanta, during which period he completed a Master of Science degree at Atlanta University in 1938.
In Atlanta on April 8, 1942, McCree united in holy matrimony to Lena Singleton, and to this union two daughters and one son were born. That same year he also composed a song for his wife Lena entitled "My Sweetheart of The U. S. A. " (which is on file at the National Archives in Washington, D. C). Shortly thereafter was enabled by an Army Reserve program to begin the study of medicine.
In 1946, his dream was realized when he graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, second in his class. While at Meharry, McCree served as the Treasurer of his class and Polemarch of the Kappa Alpha Psi chapter there. Released from military service at the same time, he then began a residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, which was followed by four years of general practice in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In 1951, McCree was recalled to military duty in the U. S. Army as a physician and served two more years attaining the rank of Captain until he was honorably discharged. He found the call of his hometown irresistible, and he and his family moved to College Park, to begin over twenty years of dedicated and untiring service to the people of this community and Metro Atlanta. McCree later also was chosen as the first doctor on staff at East Point's South Fulton Medical Center (now Atlanta Medical Center – South Campus) when it opened in 1963. His selfless dedication to his patients and commitment to providing personal, individual attention were some of the keys to his successful practice which earned him a well-respected reputation in the community. He also was among the few physicians who continued to make house calls.
A noted speaker in the community McCree was often referred to as "Dr. Preacher" for his speaking ability. Quite simply, there was truly nothing that McCree valued and loved more than his family. Time spent with loved ones is what brought him the most pleasure. The cornerstone of his family, he was a devoted family man who always saw that the family's needs were met. and he shared his love daily with his wife and three children amidst a busy schedule. McCree, an exemplary role model taught his children to give back and help others. He also was dedicated to the rest of his family and friends and would avail himself to support them in any way he could. McCree enthusiastically served the people of College Park, surrounding towns, and Metro Atlanta for two decades until severe illness resulting from a stroke forced him into retirement during the mid-1970s. His remaining years were filled with overcoming obstacles, learning new ways of doing things and igniting creativity – with lots of love. Despite a determination to return to his practice and after several years of failing health, our beloved one peacefully departed this life into the embrace of God on the evening of Oct. 10, 1982. For, we are sojourners upon the earth and our times are in God's Hands. It brought to a close a remarkable life and an amazing journey. At his funeral service which reflected his life and faith, he was remembered by multitudes as a scholar and dedicated family physician. The remarkable outpouring and love at the time of his death and even now are a testament to his legacy, and proof, of the many lives McCree touched. As a member of the College Park and Atlanta communities; he was an active participant in several civic and social organizations which included as a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Atlanta Medical Association, the National Medical Association, the Fulton County Medical Society, Chairman of the College Park Extension Section of the Butler Street YMCA Membership Campaign, Morehouse Alumni Association and as a lifelong member of Laster Chapel United Methodist Church of College Park, Georgia.
During his lifetime McCree received many awards recognizing his humanism and excellence in medicine and the community, including the recipient of the President's Award (1971) by Meharry College and the prestigious Nash-Carter Award (1974) presented by the Atlanta Medical Association, Inc. In June of 1981, the College Park community recognized their native son for his outstanding practice, scholarship, and dedication in the field of medicine. The mayor and city of College Park declared that Sunday as Otis W. McCree Day in the city.
It is reasonable to assume that any success in service which may have been his was also a part of the Divine plan for his life. Those who knew him will remember all their days some special thoughtful kindness, a word, a smile, and a deed, reaching out a helping hand when he saw a need. We commend him to the serenity, peace, and blessing of eternal life. We rest in our faith in God and in the knowledge that we will one day be reunited with him. This wonderful human being will never be forgotten.
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?
Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?
And - How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?
But - Had he befriended those really in need?
Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But - How many were sorry when he passed away?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Author: Anonymous
Metro Atlanta Georgia physician and community leader. He was a beloved child of God, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and skilled physician/surgeon who showed great love and compassion in the care of all his patients, for over twenty years. He was no ordinary man and accepted his calling and thereby embodied the Christian spirit throughout his life in caring for, aiding, and uplifting those in need. McCree was a tireless scholar of medicine who brought proud dignity to his profession and stood as a shining example of dedication, service, and commitment. He was lovingly and affectionately applauded for his work by his multitude of patients throughout the years for the skill, concern, and dedication he demonstrated in their care. McCree's love of people went beyond healing the sick. Throughout his life God gave him very great gifts and he bore great burdens which he bore all with dignity and grace. He came from a generation of indomitable African Americans who would not be turned around blocked or stopped by anything.
His lineage which permeated his life was an enormous influence on him and what he would become. Otis William McCree, the precious gift (only child) of John William, Jr. and Ida Glover McCree was born on Dec. 16, 1914, in College Park, Georgia. He was known to family and friends as "Mac". At age three his beloved mother Ida died during the nationwide influenza epidemic. Like many youths of his time and place, he had dreams.
At a very young age, he had a powerful desire and determination to become a doctor. McCree received his early education in the public schools of College Park, and at Knowles High of Atlanta University. He spent three years at Englewood High School in Chicago, graduating in 1932 with honors. His unquenchable desire to become a doctor granted him the opportunity to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta where he received his B. S. degree and graduated at the head of his class in 1936. While there, he excelled as an academic scholar and he also became a member of the illustrious Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and played the violin (which he learned at age 5) in the Morehouse Orchestra. There followed six years of very successful and highly regarded service as a teacher of science at Booker T. Washington in Atlanta, during which period he completed a Master of Science degree at Atlanta University in 1938.
In Atlanta on April 8, 1942, McCree united in holy matrimony to Lena Singleton, and to this union two daughters and one son were born. That same year he also composed a song for his wife Lena entitled "My Sweetheart of The U. S. A. " (which is on file at the National Archives in Washington, D. C). Shortly thereafter was enabled by an Army Reserve program to begin the study of medicine.
In 1946, his dream was realized when he graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, second in his class. While at Meharry, McCree served as the Treasurer of his class and Polemarch of the Kappa Alpha Psi chapter there. Released from military service at the same time, he then began a residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, which was followed by four years of general practice in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In 1951, McCree was recalled to military duty in the U. S. Army as a physician and served two more years attaining the rank of Captain until he was honorably discharged. He found the call of his hometown irresistible, and he and his family moved to College Park, to begin over twenty years of dedicated and untiring service to the people of this community and Metro Atlanta. McCree later also was chosen as the first doctor on staff at East Point's South Fulton Medical Center (now Atlanta Medical Center – South Campus) when it opened in 1963. His selfless dedication to his patients and commitment to providing personal, individual attention were some of the keys to his successful practice which earned him a well-respected reputation in the community. He also was among the few physicians who continued to make house calls.
A noted speaker in the community McCree was often referred to as "Dr. Preacher" for his speaking ability. Quite simply, there was truly nothing that McCree valued and loved more than his family. Time spent with loved ones is what brought him the most pleasure. The cornerstone of his family, he was a devoted family man who always saw that the family's needs were met. and he shared his love daily with his wife and three children amidst a busy schedule. McCree, an exemplary role model taught his children to give back and help others. He also was dedicated to the rest of his family and friends and would avail himself to support them in any way he could. McCree enthusiastically served the people of College Park, surrounding towns, and Metro Atlanta for two decades until severe illness resulting from a stroke forced him into retirement during the mid-1970s. His remaining years were filled with overcoming obstacles, learning new ways of doing things and igniting creativity – with lots of love. Despite a determination to return to his practice and after several years of failing health, our beloved one peacefully departed this life into the embrace of God on the evening of Oct. 10, 1982. For, we are sojourners upon the earth and our times are in God's Hands. It brought to a close a remarkable life and an amazing journey. At his funeral service which reflected his life and faith, he was remembered by multitudes as a scholar and dedicated family physician. The remarkable outpouring and love at the time of his death and even now are a testament to his legacy, and proof, of the many lives McCree touched. As a member of the College Park and Atlanta communities; he was an active participant in several civic and social organizations which included as a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Atlanta Medical Association, the National Medical Association, the Fulton County Medical Society, Chairman of the College Park Extension Section of the Butler Street YMCA Membership Campaign, Morehouse Alumni Association and as a lifelong member of Laster Chapel United Methodist Church of College Park, Georgia.
During his lifetime McCree received many awards recognizing his humanism and excellence in medicine and the community, including the recipient of the President's Award (1971) by Meharry College and the prestigious Nash-Carter Award (1974) presented by the Atlanta Medical Association, Inc. In June of 1981, the College Park community recognized their native son for his outstanding practice, scholarship, and dedication in the field of medicine. The mayor and city of College Park declared that Sunday as Otis W. McCree Day in the city.
It is reasonable to assume that any success in service which may have been his was also a part of the Divine plan for his life. Those who knew him will remember all their days some special thoughtful kindness, a word, a smile, and a deed, reaching out a helping hand when he saw a need. We commend him to the serenity, peace, and blessing of eternal life. We rest in our faith in God and in the knowledge that we will one day be reunited with him. This wonderful human being will never be forgotten.
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?
Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?
And - How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?
But - Had he befriended those really in need?
Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But - How many were sorry when he passed away?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Author: Anonymous
His lineage which permeated his life was an enormous influence on him and what he would become. Otis William McCree, the precious gift (only child) of John William, Jr. and Ida Glover McCree was born on Dec. 16, 1914, in College Park, Georgia. He was known to family and friends as "Mac". At age three his beloved mother Ida died during the nationwide influenza epidemic. Like many youths of his time and place, he had dreams.
At a very young age, he had a powerful desire and determination to become a doctor. McCree received his early education in the public schools of College Park, and at Knowles High of Atlanta University. He spent three years at Englewood High School in Chicago, graduating in 1932 with honors. His unquenchable desire to become a doctor granted him the opportunity to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta where he received his B. S. degree and graduated at the head of his class in 1936. While there, he excelled as an academic scholar and he also became a member of the illustrious Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and played the violin (which he learned at age 5) in the Morehouse Orchestra. There followed six years of very successful and highly regarded service as a teacher of science at Booker T. Washington in Atlanta, during which period he completed a Master of Science degree at Atlanta University in 1938.
In Atlanta on April 8, 1942, McCree united in holy matrimony to Lena Singleton, and to this union two daughters and one son were born. That same year he also composed a song for his wife Lena entitled "My Sweetheart of The U. S. A. " (which is on file at the National Archives in Washington, D. C). Shortly thereafter was enabled by an Army Reserve program to begin the study of medicine.
In 1946, his dream was realized when he graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, second in his class. While at Meharry, McCree served as the Treasurer of his class and Polemarch of the Kappa Alpha Psi chapter there. Released from military service at the same time, he then began a residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, which was followed by four years of general practice in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In 1951, McCree was recalled to military duty in the U. S. Army as a physician and served two more years attaining the rank of Captain until he was honorably discharged. He found the call of his hometown irresistible, and he and his family moved to College Park, to begin over twenty years of dedicated and untiring service to the people of this community and Metro Atlanta. McCree later also was chosen as the first doctor on staff at East Point's South Fulton Medical Center (now Atlanta Medical Center – South Campus) when it opened in 1963. His selfless dedication to his patients and commitment to providing personal, individual attention were some of the keys to his successful practice which earned him a well-respected reputation in the community. He also was among the few physicians who continued to make house calls.
A noted speaker in the community McCree was often referred to as "Dr. Preacher" for his speaking ability. Quite simply, there was truly nothing that McCree valued and loved more than his family. Time spent with loved ones is what brought him the most pleasure. The cornerstone of his family, he was a devoted family man who always saw that the family's needs were met. and he shared his love daily with his wife and three children amidst a busy schedule. McCree, an exemplary role model taught his children to give back and help others. He also was dedicated to the rest of his family and friends and would avail himself to support them in any way he could. McCree enthusiastically served the people of College Park, surrounding towns, and Metro Atlanta for two decades until severe illness resulting from a stroke forced him into retirement during the mid-1970s. His remaining years were filled with overcoming obstacles, learning new ways of doing things and igniting creativity – with lots of love. Despite a determination to return to his practice and after several years of failing health, our beloved one peacefully departed this life into the embrace of God on the evening of Oct. 10, 1982. For, we are sojourners upon the earth and our times are in God's Hands. It brought to a close a remarkable life and an amazing journey. At his funeral service which reflected his life and faith, he was remembered by multitudes as a scholar and dedicated family physician. The remarkable outpouring and love at the time of his death and even now are a testament to his legacy, and proof, of the many lives McCree touched. As a member of the College Park and Atlanta communities; he was an active participant in several civic and social organizations which included as a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Atlanta Medical Association, the National Medical Association, the Fulton County Medical Society, Chairman of the College Park Extension Section of the Butler Street YMCA Membership Campaign, Morehouse Alumni Association and as a lifelong member of Laster Chapel United Methodist Church of College Park, Georgia.
During his lifetime McCree received many awards recognizing his humanism and excellence in medicine and the community, including the recipient of the President's Award (1971) by Meharry College and the prestigious Nash-Carter Award (1974) presented by the Atlanta Medical Association, Inc. In June of 1981, the College Park community recognized their native son for his outstanding practice, scholarship, and dedication in the field of medicine. The mayor and city of College Park declared that Sunday as Otis W. McCree Day in the city.
It is reasonable to assume that any success in service which may have been his was also a part of the Divine plan for his life. Those who knew him will remember all their days some special thoughtful kindness, a word, a smile, and a deed, reaching out a helping hand when he saw a need. We commend him to the serenity, peace, and blessing of eternal life. We rest in our faith in God and in the knowledge that we will one day be reunited with him. This wonderful human being will never be forgotten.
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
Not - How did he die? But - How did he live?
Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?
And - How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?
But - Had he befriended those really in need?
Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But - How many were sorry when he passed away?
These are the things that measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Author: Anonymous
Bio by: Curtis Jackson
Gravesite Details
A sincere thank you to Always for sponsoring this memorial.
