Chad Russell McCrary of DeKalb, Texas, a celebrated bodybuilder, passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 49. The heartbreaking news was shared by his brother Lance McCrary on Instagram. The statement read, "RIP Chad McCrary: April 1, 1974 - January 2, 2024." The post did not mention the cause of death.
Chad was born April 1, 1974, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Ronny Butler McCrary and Linda Joyce Mantooth McCrary. In his life, Chad accomplished many goals and shared his triumphs with others that he may be a light to those around him. He was an encourager to all who knew him and those with whom he shared his story.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda J. Mantooth McCrary; grandparents, J.B. and Mary Sue McCrary and Russell A. and Frances L. Mantooth; and one uncle, Jerry E. Mantooth.
He is survived by his father, Ronny McCrary of DeKalb; his brother, Lance McCrary of DeKalb; his sister, Lauren Wahl of Baltimore; his niece, Eloise Kate Wahl; a special aunt, Vicki Blevins of DeKalb; two uncles and their wives, Charles and Debra McCrary of DeKalb and Russell R. And Cindy Mantooth of Fairview; an aunt, Sharon Mantooth Wallace and her husband, David of McKinney; numerous cousins; his special dog “Lucy”; a host other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Final arrangements being handled by Bates Family Funeral Home in DeKalb, Texas. Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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A Multifaceted Career
Chad was an IFBB PRO, the Author of the book “Answering the Call”, a Motivational Speaker, and an Official Mutant Athlete. He also mentioned in a comment that Mr McCrary “was truly a body builder in his Beast mode, his determination was unmatched. Yet he could make you laugh, give good advice. Just an all around good man.”
Chad gained his Aviation License through Texarkana College, obtained his Personal Trainer Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, studied Emergency Medicine at Northeast Texas Community College and was a former Paramedic for LifeNet, and a former Firefighter and Paramedic for Red River Army Depot.
Triumph Over Adversity
Chad McCrary, from Texas, began competing in 2000, five years before a tragic accident during a cross-country motorcycle jump left him paraplegic. He was paralyzed in a 2005 motocross accident but continued to compete in Wheelchair Bodybuilding tournaments, showcasing his determination and resilience. Undeterred, he re-entered bodybuilding in the wheelchair division just six months later, reported The Sun.
In 2022, Mr McCrary made a notable mark by securing a top-10 finish at the prestigious Mr Olympia bodybuilding competition. His achievements also include winning first place at the Heart of Texas Heavyweight competition, as well as claiming the top spot at the Lone Star State and Arkansas State Championships.
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Achievements
- Top-10 finish at Mr Olympia bodybuilding competition (2022)
- First place at the Heart of Texas Heavyweight competition
- Top spot at the Lone Star State Championship
- Top spot at the Arkansas State Championship
Tributes and Condolences
Jim McMahon, CEO of Mutant, a sports fitness brand, expressed his sorrow and shock in a video tribute to Mr McCrary, “Like everybody, I'm very sad and stunned. It's a hard one. What I'm always going to take away is what we all got to experience,” highlighting the sense of camaraderie that McCrary contributed to the world of bodybuilding.
Mr McMahon continued, “Everything that all of us try to achieve in this life is having good friends and good camaraderie, so I don't have much to say…just that the heart hurts. That's the simplest way to put it. Peace and love to everybody.”
Other friends expressed their condolences and shared their stories about Mr McCrary in the comments. Wheelchair bodybuilder Ludovic Marchand wrote, “Chad was a good friend and always contacted me for advice as he said I was the one to inspire him.” Bodybuilder Nikky Ricks expressed, “I'm so sorry for your loss. I chatted to him for a while at the Olympia and he seemed like a very lovely man with a great sense of humour. Very sad to hear he has left the world.”
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