Ray William McCrary Jr.

1969 - 2021

Ray William McCrary, Jr. passed away Tuesday, July 20th, at his home. He was born on April 18th, 1969 in Memphis, TN. He is the son of the late Ray William McCrary, Sr. (Priscilla McCrary).

Ray began his career with the Shelby County Sherriff's Office in 1997. He was a talented union brick mason and nationally recruited and all-state high school football star (receiving offers from virtually every division I school in the country). He ultimately decided to play for the Memphis State Tigers. Ray married his high school sweetheart, Wendy, in 1989. Using his skills as a brick mason, he was able to masterfully craft brick mail boxes, buildings, interior mantles and walls, along with many more structures for family, friends and acquaintances, often times for free. To his work colleagues he was known as the man you'd want to be in a foxhole with if things went south, but to his family he was known as "Dad", "Uncle Ray", "Turkey", "Grandpa" and "Jr." He loved Hank Williams Jr, Ancient Aliens and World War II on the History Channel, reciting lines from the movies Predator and Step Brothers, working in the yard until the body was sore or the job was done correctly, starting house projects with the best of intentions and making others feel at ease with any crisis that appeared. He was the steady hand when the sky fell. No matter when, where or how, he would get the job done. He taught his family that "you'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it" and "don't sweat the small stuff. Everything is the small stuff." Ray loved swimming in his pool, grilling burgers and steaks, showing guests his new purchases of the month, discussing retirement portfolios and the simple life. He didn't need much to be content and would give the shirt off his back to rid others of inconveniences or hardships. Ray was as stubborn as he was loving, but in the end, as always, it was his way or no way. He lived a life questioning, analyzing, and perfecting every situation he could. He was and is loved by all who knew him, especially his chihuahua, Etsy, and German Shepard, Bear. He will be greatly missed. You're my boy, Blue.

Ray is survived by his wife, Wendy McCrary, son, Ray McCrary III (Kanin McCrary), daughter, Megan McCrary Stallings (Brendan Stallings), grandson, Danny Stallings, mother, Priscilla McCrary, brother, Timmy McCrary (Shannon McCrary), sister, Shelly Skinner (Harrison Skinner), and nieces, Madelyn McCrary, Lilly McCrary, Laney Skinner, Katie Skinner.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.