Tommie Newton McCranie was born on June 5, 1941 in Miles City, Montana and passed away into glory on September 15, 2020 in Tarboro, NC. The third and last child of Newton and Louise, Tom was reared in South Georgia and grew up in Lakeland, Florida. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army and worked for the Seaboard Coastline Railroad before becoming a licensed Building Contractor. Devoted husband and father, he is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Jeri McCranie of Tarboro; son, Todd McCranie and wife, Kim of Waxhaw, NC; son, Trent McCranie and wife, Amy of Iron Station, NC; and daughter, Tracy Callihan and husband, David of Farmville, NC. Grandchildren of "Papa" are Jessi, Matthew, Emma, Coll, Taylor and Caroline.

During the 1970's, he built over one hundred Shop & Go convenience stores all over the state of Florida. In 1979, he moved his family to Charlotte, NC to open McCranie's Pipe and Tobacco Shop, and to be near his beloved Blue Ridge Mountains where he eventually retired. His favorite hobby was woodworking, and he made something special for each of his grandchildren, along with many other pieces of furniture. He continued his passion by designing and building their dream home, which served as a gathering place for the entire family at holidays.

Tommie, through many years and many ventures, has left a legacy that still continues today with many friends in the close-knit pipe and cigar industry and with the many customers that have patronized the shop. He will be missed and is fondly remembered. His family cherishes the great example he left as a husband, father, Papa and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, PO Box 2030 Tampa, Florida 33601 or at www.cf-cf.org or to Farmville Presbyterian Church, 4138 Grimmersburg Street Farmville, NC 27828.