Benjamin McCray

Benjamin McCray of Morris, IN was called home on Friday morning August 22nd, 2025 at the age of 73. He left this world the way he lived in it-surrounded by the family who adored him. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend whose warmth and unwavering love touched all who knew him.

Ben was born on April 3rd, 1952 in Perry, GA to Rosebud Gilbert and Tommie Lee McCray. Ben spent a majority of his youth in Miami, FL before enlisting into the Army at 18 years old. Ben spent many years of service throughout the country and some years of service in Germany. He was a proud Army veteran, Ben implemented the values of service, dedication, and resilience into every part of his life.

Outside of his devotion to family, he found joy in life's simple pleasures like tending to his garden with care and patience, playing and watching sports; especially basketball and football, spending peaceful days fishing and playing the lottery with a smile of hope.

To know Ben was to know unconditional love. He was the kind of man who made every day brighter just by being there. Ben lived his life with kindness, humility, and strength. He was the heart of his family, always putting others first and creating a home filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories. The kind of dad who could fix anything and always knew the right words to say. The kind of grandpa who made his grandchildren feel like they were the most important people in the world. As a son and brother, he gave his family roots, strength, and a bond that will never be broken. He was a source of wisdom, guidance, and strength.

He taught us to laugh often, to work hard, to be kind, and to love without hesitation. His stories, his hugs, and his quiet strength will be missed more than words can ever say.

He is survived by, his wife Elizabeth McCray; his children, Shirnel McCray, Benjamin McCray Jr., Tiffany (Nathan) Harmeyer, Brittany (Chris) Mathews, Courtney (Blake) Lewis, Whitney (Aaron) Horner; and his many grandchildren. His sisters, Lorraine Williams and Sharon Williams. His brothers David (Lillie) Williams, Johnny (Lisa) Williams and Michael Williams. And his many nieces and nephews. Each of us will carry a piece of him forever.

Ben was preceded in death by his loving mother Rosebud Williams and father Tommie Lee McCray, his brothers Larry Williams, Billie James Williams and Willie Frank Williams, and his son Joseph McCray.

A service to honor and celebrate Ben's life will be held on September 6, 2025 at 1 pm at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Church Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Batesville VFW Post #3183 and Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and carry forward the love he so freely gave.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Anthony Church Cemetery.

While our hearts ache, we find peace knowing that his love will continue to guide us every day.

Please feel free to leave a memory or message of comfort for Ben's family in the online guestbook.