Dr. Joseph Harrison McCraw, a military veteran, former Auburn University football running back, a long-time accounting professor at the University of West Georgia and a proud father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024 in Carrollton, Georgia.

Born in Andalusia, Alabama, in March 1945, McCraw received his bachelor's and master's degrees at Auburn University and his Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Georgia. While at Auburn, McCraw was a freshman fullback under the legendary coach, Vince Dooley and continued to contribute to the football program as an offensive and defensive player for three more years. McCraw is a much-decorated veteran. Upon graduation from Auburn University in 1967 with an ROTC Commission, he served a two-year stint in the U.S. Army. After being assigned to the 988th Military Police Company at Ft. Benning, Columbus, Georgia, he volunteered for Vietnam (1968) where he spent almost one year in service to his country.

Returning to civilian life, Dr. McCraw earned an MBA from Auburn University in 1978 and a Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of Georgia in 1986. Having taught at the University of Alabama, Birmingham and Presbyterian College, Harrison began a 26-year career at UWG (then West Georgia College) in 1985 as an assistant professor of Business Administration in the Department of Accounting and Finance. Throughout his career, McCraw wrote numerous articles published in scholarly journals before retiring from the University of West Georgia (UWG) in 2011. Dr. Faye McIntyre, professor of marketing and former dean of the Richards College of Business, praised McCraw for his kindness, intelligence and generosity. "Dr. McCraw was a valuable member of the Richards College of Business faculty. He was an excellent instructor and mentored many students outside the classroom as well. Beyond his teaching abilities, Harrison was a wonderful colleague, always willing to help others and offer a kind word of encouragement or humor." One of his favorite activities in his later years of retirement was to have his daily breakfast at the Waffle House near the UWG campus.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Harrison McCraw Sr., his mother, Mary Elizabeth Pruitt and his sister, Mary Anne Cowham. He is survived by his son, Joseph Harrison McCraw III and his granddaughter, Penelope Kate McCraw. Harrison was a man of deep faith and a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Carrollton. Dr. Stephen V. Allen will preside at a memorial service for Harrison to be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 5 at 4pm. Dr. McCraw's ashes will be in interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. To honor Harrison, a donation may be made to the Open Hands United Christian Ministry of Carrollton, 100 Bledsoe St, Carrollton, GA 30117.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.