William McCray

William Franklin McCray Sr. (Bill) was born September 9, 1927, to John Wesley McCray and Hattie Carmiachel-McCray in Cincinnati, OH. William was the 2nd born of three children-- Allie Mae McCray-Loveless and Crepe McCray-Jones--in that union.

William attended Withrow High School and received his high school diploma from Hughes High School.

He served in the army during WWII, in the 3159th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon and received an honorable discharged as a Sergeant on April 10, 1947. William was a hardworking man and took pride in his job. He worked for Ford Motor Company for over 30 years and retired as a supervisor.

William met and married Julia Mims-McCray in 1948 and from that union brought into the world four children --Ronald McCray, Lorraine McCray-Walker, William F. McCray Jr., and Michael McCray.

On August 6, 1960, William married Betty Smith--McCray. With that union, their blended families created a real-life Brady Bunch adding Jacqueline Smith-Brown, Gail Smith-Jones, Colette Smith, Judith Jamison. William and Betty remained married for 56 years.

William was a loving and devoted son who took pride in caring for his mother until her passing on October 6, 1966.

He was an active member of The Body of Christ Christian Church. William could be seen with a paintbrush, nails, or hammer working around the church. He loved the social fellowship gatherings at the church and could always be counted on to show up with bags of ice.

William loved Jazz. He was a Jazz pianist and was known for his smooth baritone voice. He belonged to various Jazz Clubs. William loved to travel with his wife Betty, and they both belonged to several social clubs. The McCrays were known for their exquisite social and family gatherings at their home. William was known for his impeccable style and sense of fashion. William loved his family and meeting people. He was always passing on advise not only in words but, by being a living example during his life. He believed in hard work, providing for his family, and being a loving and caring husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was a man of few words and quiet spirit, but his example spoke loudly and clearly showing LOVE was an “ACTION” word.

For over thirty years, William was an active member in the Silverton Community, where he served as a voter official. He was an active member of the block watch and deemed himself, president of the neighborhood beautification. He made sure that all the neighbors’ yards were up to par. He was proud of the several awards he received for the best well-groomed yard in the neighborhood.

William was proceeded in death by his Parents: John Wesley McCray and Hattie Carmiachel-McCray; Wife: Betty J McCray; Siblings: Allie Mae McCray-Loveless and Crepe McCray-Jones; Daughter: Jaqueline Smith-Brown; Son: Michael McCray; Nephews: Vernon “Sonny” Jones, and Andrew Loveless.

On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, while surrounded by his loving family, William departed this life to be with the Lord. He leaves so many precious memories behind that will always be cherished by his: Sons: Ronald McCray (Patrice McCray) and William McCray Jr.; Daughters: Lorraine Walker, Kimberly Wilcox, Gail Jones (John Jones), Colette Smith, Judith Jamison; Nephews: Ethan Loveless (Barbara Loveless), Melvin Loveless; Grandchildren: Anthony W. McCray, La Shon Wiggers, Allison Johnson (Brian Johnson), Damian McCray (Francine McCray), Danielle Delaine (Phillip McKelton), Trinity McCray-Crosby, Jocelyn Wilcox, George Brown II (Joann Brown), Geoffrey Brown, Adrienne Price (Landon Price), Amber Joseph (Ryan Joseph), and Jamison Smith; Great-Grandchildren: Anthony C. McCray, Brandy L. McCray, Blake Delaine, Malachi Johnson, Kahmel Johnson, Jakobi Price, Aidon Price, Logan Price, Riley Joseph, George Brown III, Jacque Brown, Geoffrey Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, family and friends.

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