Master Sergeant Paul James McCants Jr., of Charlotte, N.C., passed away Thursday, May 21, 2015, at his residence.

He was born in Atmore on May, 18, 1943, the son of the late the Rev. Paul James McCants Sr. and the late Ruby Holmes McCants. He was a member of the 1961 graduating class of Academy Street High School in Troy. He was also a graduate of Piedmont Community College. Mr. McCants served 20 years with the U.S. Army, retiring as a recruiter on May 1, 1982.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Will McCants, on June 29, 2014. They were married Sept. 27, 1963, and a sister, Louise, also preceded him in death.

Survivors are two children — one daughter, Angela McCants Strother and her husband, Darryl, of Rocky Mount, N.C. and one son, Paul J. McCants III of Summerville, S.C.; four grandchildren, David Strother, William Strother, Britney McCants and Paul J. McCants IV; three siblings, Urla (Frank) Boggan, David (Regina) McCants of Atmore and Betty Bradley of Brewton; one brother-in-law, Strauter Collier Jr. of Pine Hill; a very caring and devoted aunt, Louise (L.G.) McCants of Atmore; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A memorial service was previously held at the McEwen Funeral Service-Derita Chapel in Rocky Mount.

A local memorial service with full military honors will take place at Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church on Saturday, June 20, at 1 p.m.