Born on July 7, 1951 in Louisville, Kentucky
Departed on February 16, 2022 in Malabar, Florida
Columbus McCracken, Jr. 70, of Malabar passed away on Wednesday February 16, 2022. He moved to Florida in 1985 from Louisville, KY. He was a veteran of the USMC in Vietnam and a strong, enduring man who loved his family, country and helping others. Columbus was a jack of all trades there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix.
He was a strong endearing man. He had a Love for his family, his country and the love of his life. He always Put his family first. He loved to laugh and tell stories he opened his home to those he cared about. He would always help others and never asked for anything in return.
He was by far one of the strongest men i have ever known. He would always cast away any ideas of failure. He fought many illnesses for at least 15 years longer than his doctors thought possible. He lived his life on his own terms.
Survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara, daughter, Shannon (Ivan) Garnier; grandchildren; Ivan, Isabella, Julie and Columbus; brothers, Bill and Art; sisters Pat and Carol. He was predeceased by a son, Columbus, sister, Mary Lou and a brother, Robert.
Calling hours will be on Saturday, Feb 26th from 3pm-5pm with a service to follow at 5pm in the Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Chapel. www.brownliemaxwell.com
13 entries.
Joel Humphrey
from Winter Garden wrote on May 13, 2022:
Sorry my friend
I just found out , i always enjoyed our time !
So happy to be apart of your journey see-you again my friend
In jesus christ name Amen
Richard Busam
from Louisville wrote on February 26, 2022:
Columbus, thank you for all of the great times. I will never
forget them. Thank you for being my uncle. Love you and I’ll miss you.
Pat Busam
from Louisville wrote on February 26, 2022:
Mr. Columbus Mccracken. My brother was the best thing
in my life. He was always there when I needed him. Going to miss him saying “hey, Pat how you doing?” I miss him dearly. Be very lonely without you. I love you Columbus take care.
We'll see you soon.
Evelyn Vondersmith and Jeffrey Vondersmith
from Palm Bay wrote on February 25, 2022:
I met Columbus and Barbara in 2009. We had just moved here from Philadelphia as renters, though out the years we shared many special moments, always had a smile and a grate conversation. He will always be remembered and will live in our hearts.
Ruth Vail
from Palm Bay wrote on February 25, 2022:
I remember when we became
Neighbors, seeing Malabar grow and all the neighbors that followed we are all blessed in having great neighbors and we all got along. I remember that black dog I think it was a lab that came and took my sandal away and chewed it up lol. We had some good memories. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Marylyn Umpierre
from Palm Bay wrote on February 25, 2022:
Columbus was one of the first people and family friends I had since moving to Florida in 2009. Many special memories of sharing family birthdays, events and thanksgiving’s together. Remembering sharing lots of laughter and conversations, he was never short of having a conversation lol. Memories of always somehow bumping into him at a Walmart or Bjs and standing in the Isles just Immersed in conversations about the next project him and Barbara were working on.
Columbus was always kind and gracious to me he wasn’t considered a friend anymore, he was part of my family and he will greatly be missed.
Nicole Busam
from Louisville wrote on February 24, 2022:
Some of my best childhood memories have uncle Columbus in them. I remember him and Colombo trying to teach me how to juggle, I remember his amazing stories, tricks and coleslaw! Most of all, I remember his smile and his ambition for wonder and adventure along with his thirst for knowledge. He has always been a great spirit and will continue to be as he lives on in each of us. He will greatly be missed. Well wishes, thoughts and prayers to the family. We love and miss you all.
Shannon Morgan Mckinney
from Radcliff wrote on February 24, 2022:
I remember always being at your house before y’all up and moved to Florida, but that was ok because y’all didn’t get rid of me y’all both welcomed me once again in your home more than once and my family too.. you took us at on the boat in the middle of the ocean it was a wonderful day I’ll never forget. My next time to Florida will not be the same, you will be miss RIP. And love you Momma McCracken thank you both for being amazing to us all. Prayers for your family, Shannon I love you and I’m always here to talk if you need.
Michael and Catherine Genna
from Melbourne wrote on February 24, 2022:
Columbus you are one of the most selfless people we knew. You where always there to lend a hand when needed and always treated us like family. Columbus you have been apart of our lives for two decades and we cannot express how much you are going to be missed. We love you 💙
Robin and Charlie Skinner
from Bay Florida 32907 wrote on February 24, 2022:
He was a wonderful man if I needed help he always came and helped us it was very rare when he needed help from us we were there when his house was in jeopardy with the wildfires we have the same birthday is just 10 years older than me I always sent him a happy birthday I will never forget him wonderful man he will be missed by all!
Tiffany Mccracken
from Louisville wrote on February 19, 2022:
Uncle Columbus would always bring me and me sisters oranges when he came to visit, and we'd talk about how hed take us to see the ocean. Dad always had crazy stories to tell about the things yall would get into growing up. I hope that you and the family are having a great reunion, and until we meet again love you.
Ron Mason
from Gulfport, MS wrote on February 19, 2022:
Love you Uncle Columbus! Sure going to miss you!
Sarah Meadows
from Lewisburg wrote on February 18, 2022:
Uncle Columbus was a good man. I remember when I was a little girl visiting how him and aunt Barb always made us feel welcome, and both just smiling all the time. You all are in my prayers. Love you.
Born on July 7, 1951 in Louisville, Kentucky