MCCRARY Lacy “Dean,” age 91, passed peacefully on March 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Willie; two daughters, Kathy and Colleen; his son-in-law, Chris; and four grandchildren: Justin, Drew, Lauren, and Joshua. Born in Tennessee in 1933, Dean enlisted in the US Air Force at 17 and served as Air Police for four years before separating to earn a bachelor’s from Kent State with his GI Bill. Dean used his degree to start his forty-year journalism career with The Akron Beacon Journal, The Miami Beach Sun, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Lauded for his reporting, Dean was awarded Pulitzer Prizes for his writing contributions in 1968 covering the 1967 Detroit riot and again in 1971 for his coverage of the Kent State Shootings as part of a different team. Dean’s military service inspired his daughter, who served in the US Air Force, as well as three of his four grandchildren who are currently serving active duty in the US Army, US Space Force, and US Coast Guard. He is remembered by his family as a dedicated father, lifelong learner, avid golfer, and passionate Eagles fan. Lacy “Dean” McCrary’s steadying presence will be missed by those who knew and loved him.