Scotty McCreery remembers his late grandfather’s gifts of golf lessons, deep voice

Country singer and “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery released a statement Wednesday honoring his late grandfather, William “Bill” McCreery II.

McCreery, an Aberdeen resident, died Sunday after a brief illness. He was 86.

“He lived life to the fullest, was good-natured and had a hearty laugh,” Scotty McCreery said. “He was totally devoted to my Grandmother Paquita for 57 years. Together, they raised three children and were inspirations for their six grandchildren. He was one amazing guy who drove a black Mustang convertible and could still dive off his diving board in his backyard pool.”

McCreery noted in his statement that his grandfather, who had just celebrated a birthday two days before he died, spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command and 10 more years working for the U.S. Civil Service at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.

“As his only grandson, it will be an honor to carry on the family name,” McCreery said. “Thank you Granddad, for everything, but especially the lessons on love and respect, the golf and diving lessons AND that McCreery deep voice.”

McCreery, the Garner native who won the 10th season of “Idol” and has released three best-selling CDs since, is a student at N.C. State University in Raleigh.

This story was originally published January 14, 2015 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Scotty McCreery remembers his late grandfather’s gifts of golf lessons, deep voice."