Rev. James Cleo “Buster” McCall, born August 16, 1939, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 24, 2026, at the age of 87, leaving behind a lifetime of faith, love, hard work, and service to others.

Buster was the son of the late Fleming J. McCall and Grace G. McCall. He grew up knowing the value of a hard day’s work, spending his early years logging alongside his father and grandfather. He later worked for Saco-Lowell and American Thread before starting what would become his family business, McCall’s Grading & Construction. Buster took great pride in his work with the NCDOT and the U.S. Forest Service. For him, work was about much more than earning a living. He believed in helping his community, taking care of his neighbors, and lending a hand whenever and wherever one was needed. He built a business, but more importantly, he built relationships and a reputation for hard work, generosity, and helping others.

While Buster accomplished much during his working years, the greatest calling of his life was his ministry. He faithfully served as pastor of Shoal Creek Baptist Church for 37 years. His love for the Lord was not something he reserved for Sunday mornings or the church pulpit—it was a part of everything he did.

No matter where Buster went or who he met, he was ready to tell them about Jesus. Whether he was on a jobsite, visiting with a friend, talking with a stranger, or spending time with his family, he looked for an opportunity to share the Gospel. His greatest joy was telling others about the love of his Lord and Savior, and leading people to know Him. Over the years, his ministry and personal witness influenced countless lives, and the seeds of faith he planted will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

Buster was also a devoted family man. He dearly loved his wife, Rebecca "Becky" McCall, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, but some of his happiest times were simply spent surrounded by his family and friends. His grandchildren held an especially dear place in his heart, and the time he spent with them brought him tremendous joy.

Buster is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Junita McCall; his daughters, Bonnie McCall Kemper (Uwe), Fonda Jean McCall, Rhonda Rosa McCall, and Ann McCall Daves (Chris); his grandchildren, Thomas Partin (Katie), Hope McCall, William Partin (Caroline), Christopher Daves (Rachel), Rebekah Grace Hooper (Will), and Elizabeth Daves Salter (Caleb); and his great-grandchildren, Addalyn Whitaker, Alayna Whitaker, Cleo McCall, Lucy Hooper, and Essie Hooper.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jean Hooper, Melba McCall, Donnie Hall, and Ronnie McCall, along with many extended family members, church family, friends, and members of the community whose lives he touched throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, Buster was preceded in death by his beloved son, Markus Cleo McCall, and his siblings, Thad McCall, Lorena McCall, Ted McCall, Billy McCall, and Randy McCall.

Buster will be remembered as a hardworking man, a devoted husband and father, a proud papa and great-grandpa, a faithful pastor, a loyal friend, and a man who was always willing to help someone in need. His influence reaches far beyond his own family. Through years of ministry, decades of work in his community, and countless conversations about the Lord, he touched more lives than can ever be counted.

Above all else, Buster would want to be remembered for his love for Jesus Christ. The Gospel he spent his life sharing with others was not simply something he preached—it was the foundation upon which he built his life. His family takes comfort in knowing that the Savior he faithfully told others about for so many years has now welcomed him home.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Buster leaves behind a remarkable legacy—one built not only through the work of his hands, but through his faith, his family, his generosity, and the many souls he pointed toward Jesus Christ. His family will miss him beyond words, but the lessons he taught, the stories he told, the love he gave, and most importantly, the faith he shared will live on in all those who were blessed to know him.