Sad news for Scotty McCreery. The country singer (and former 'American Idol' star) took to social media today, Jan. 14, to share that his beloved grandfather has passed away unexpectedly.

"I am sad to share my Granddad, Bill McCreery, passed away unexpectedly last Sunday. He had celebrated his 86th birthday just two days earlier," the 'Idol' alum wrote on Facebook. "My Granddad was a hard worker who spent 20 years in the US Air Force Strategic Air Command and 10 more years working for the US Civil Service at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. He lived life to the fullest, was good-natured and had a hearty laugh."

In addition to a long career in the military, it sounds like Granddad McCreery was also very much a family man, having been married to his wife (the singer's grandmother) for almost 60 years.

"He was totally devoted to my Grandmother Paquita for 57 years. Together, they raised three children and were inspirations for their six grandchildren," McCreery continued. "He was one amazing guy who drove a black mustang convertible and could still dive off his diving board in his backyard pool. As his only grandson, it will be an honor to carry on the family name. Thank you Granddad for everything, but especially the lessons on love and respect, the golf and diving lessons AND that McCreery deep voice."

McCreery also took to Twitter to share his grandfather's memory, posting a sweet collage of photos:

R.I.P., Granddad McCreery. Our thoughts are with Scotty McCreery and his family during this difficult time.

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