Samuel L. McCray

Town of West Haven, Samuel Lester McCray, age 77 of 112 Clark Street , West Haven, husband of Delores McCray departed on June 26, 2010 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a long illness. Born in Bethel North Carolina on February 09,1933, he was the son of Samuel McCray Jr. and Sadie Clark McCray. He had resided in Bethel North Carolina and graduated from Bethel High School in 1952. Mr. McCray was employed by U.S. Repeating Arms, New Haven Register Newspaper and Southern Connecticut State University. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the United States Army. He was a member of the Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the Usher Board, Men's Choir and the Church's Security. He was a Life Member of the N.A.A.C.P., Oriental Lodge no.6 FAM. Besides in Wife, he is survived by his daughters, Cynthia McCray of Richmond Va, Cecilia McCray of Waterbury CT and Step-daughter, Randi McCray-Exinor of New Haven. Sons, Samuel L. and Carol McCray of Panama City FL, Stevie and Angela McCray of Branford CT. Step-sons, James and Barbara Walker of Hamden CT, Mark Briscoe of Richmond VA and Micheal Briscoe of North Haven CT. Grand Children, Samuel, Jason and Aaron of Panama City FL. Tiana and Kelsey of Branford CT. Shalanda and Zorri of Waterbury CT. Great-Grand Children, Julius and Mason of Panama City FL. Sisters Margaret Outlaw, Christina Brown, Erma McAdory and Delores and Harold Lawson. Brothers, Joseph and Patricia McCray and Charles Ray McCray. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by two sisters, Louise McCray Brown and Gloria McCray and one brother, Curtis McCray. Samuel was the patriarch of the McCray family. Everyone loved and respect him for his gentle leadership. He loved watching New York Mets, cooking, and spending time with his grandchildren. His humorous and humble personality will be missed!!! God looked around his garden and he found an empty place, and then he looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face he put his arms around you, and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb, so he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered "Peace be thine." It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone, For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.