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George McCray Obituary
George McCray
LOAMI - George McCray, 75, a life-long resident of Loami, died on Saturday, February 19, 2011, at 12:53pm at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
George was born September 25, 1935 to Fred James McCray and Lerna Lee Rowden McCray in Loami. He married Mary Annette Fahrenbocker on June 1, 1957.
After 18 years of service, George retired from Coca Cola. He operated the Shell Station in Loami for 18 years. He was a charter member and served as a volunteer fireman for Loami for many years. He often commented that he was happiest working even if it included long hours. He had a great work ethic, and helped everyone. As an avid trap shooter, he was a member of the American Trapshooting Association and Jacksonville Sportsman's Club. He and his life-long friends were known as the "Loami Mafia" because of their loyalty to each other and the numerous awards they won. They enjoyed the camaraderie through fast-pitch softball, dirt bike racing and other sports. Mr. McCray loved the outdoors, especially the mountains in Colorado, which he often visited with his family.
George is survived by his wife, Mary Annette of Loami; his daughters Georgia Rhnea "Punkie" McCray (husband Ralph Bush) and Angelique Rae Ann McCray-Kenaston (husband Troy Kenaston); grandson (his Little Dude) Tyler McCray Kenaston; brothers Edward "Ed" (Evelyn) McCray of Loami, Paul "Pete" (Mary) McCray of Gainesville, MO; sisters Rosemary (Ken) Locker and Carmen McCray Sporrer both of Parachute, CO; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his 5 year old daughter Michelle Annette, sisters Wanda McCray, Florence McCray, Colleen Cloyd, Dorothy "Dolly" Mudd, Doris Spoor, Wilma Stevens, and brothers Joseph and James McCray.
Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Chatham will conduct cremation rites before the services.
His family will greet friends at his remembrance reception from 5-6:30 p.m., Friday, February 25, at Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham.
Sharing of Memories by his family and friends at 6:30PM on Friday
Memorials may be made to Loami Fire Department, 101 S. Main St., Loami, IL 62661.
Staab Polk Memorial Home, Chatham, is serving the McCray family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George McCray
Ashley
February 27, 2011
So Sorry to hear about George. I had taken care of him at MMC. He was very pleasant and I enjoyed his company.
February 25, 2011
MARY, GEORGIA, ANGELIQUE, GEORGE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US
AS WE TRAVEL ON WITH LIFE . RICK SMITH ( DIVERNON,IL.)
Lance Bromley
February 25, 2011
Mary so sorry to hear about George's passing. I remember the good times in Loami often and George is in many of those memories. May God bless and comfort you in the coming days.
February 25, 2011
Mary, Georgia and family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. May you find peace and share great memories to help you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Vicki Benson
Lee Fuchs
February 25, 2011
Punkie, sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. He was a good man and we know you will miss him. You are in our prayers.
Kim & Terri Ladage
February 24, 2011
Mary,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. George was a wonderful man. Kim had a lot of respect for him and enjoyed working with him at Coke. We always loved visiting with both of you at the annual Coke Christmas parties. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 24, 2011
Dear Mary & Family,
The sad news of George's death is a loss for many. Having met George through the trapshooting activities, and especially at the Jacksonville Sportsman Club, I think I can speak for all of his friends in the Jacsonville area who will always remember the "McCray Boys" and the "family" athmospere we all enjoyed in his presence. We'll miss seeing you at this time as we are "out of town" but our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless,
George & Marilyn Murphy
Jacksonvile, Illinois
Dawn Wilson
February 24, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
February 24, 2011
Georgia and Family,
Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in the wonderful memories of your Dad.
Chuck and Kelly Lister
Angie Snyder
February 24, 2011
Mary, My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Carl Hart
February 23, 2011
I have many fond memories growing up next to the McCrays, playing with Shelley and Punkie. George and Mary were always so kind to me. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by his family, but now, after all these years, a sweet young girl and her daddy can be reunited. My condolences go out to Mary and daugthers.
Michelle Smith-Birch
February 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go to you all. I will always remember George and be thankful he was one of the Loamians who helped raise me into the person I am today. He was a wonderful person who will always be in my heart. Thank you George for all your guidance in my younger years. Mary my heart is with you during this time. Much love, Michelle Smith-Birch
Jeff and Lori Bromley
February 23, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Russ Kerr
February 23, 2011
Mary, Georgia and family,
Sorry to learn of your loss. Sincere sympathy to you and yours.
Nancy Davenport
February 23, 2011
EULOGY FOR GEORGE MCCRAY
FEBRUARY, 2011
Nancy Kay Davenport
George McCray, husband of Mary Annette, father of Georgia and Angie and Michelle who preceded her father in death. George died Saturday February 19 at noon after a long illness. Mary Annette, Georgia and Angela will be together and making preparations for a Reception being planned to celebrate and honor his life. George and Mary Annette have been married for _____ years and remained devoted to each other throughout their lives. Their relationship has been a model of compassion and devotion which demonstrated the importance of humor to the longevity of their life together.
I was the un-invited but welcomed fourth child, mother's helper, and self appointed house keeper and sometimes in charge of the family entertainment along with my best friends, Madeline Staley Liebert and Diane Marsh Ryan. I loved being a member of the family George and Mary Annette had created. The love, care and concern evident in this home was addictive and I found any excuse to bask in the love of this family which gratefully, included me.
George was the head of this household and he full filled his responsibility quietly and from a position of strength and confidence. He and Mary Annette demonstrated daily the team work, play fullness and clear expectation to their children. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this loving family which has served me well as a model of how a healthy, loving, family looks like and feels like. This experience has informed my work as a marriage and family counselor and I will also be indebted to the insights I gained while being a part of this loving home.
George, you will be missed but know that your influence has been broader than your immediate family. Through your example, I have been helpful to hundreds of families in my forty year career as a marriage and family counselor and I remain humble and indebted to your stellar example of what it means to be a man, a gentleman, husband, father, provider, and contributing member of his community.
My life has been blessed by knowing you... I am grateful for your life and the family you have created.
Love,
Nancy, "Kay" Davenport, February 20, 2011
Nurse Genia Dr Su
February 23, 2011
Mary u just never know when these things will happen and even with our "gut" EMT skills, it doesnt make it any easier, probably even harder. I'll miss visiting about where to eat and learning something from George on every visit. He lived a very enjoyable life. Please stop by if ur in the building and say Hi. Im sad I didnt get to see u guyz on ur last visit. Im sure he will be shooting 100% once again. Love Thoughts and Prayers
Debbie Bromley Benge
February 23, 2011
Mary,Punkie,Angie and the Mc Cray families. So sorry to hear of yet another Great Loamian to past through Heaven's gate. George always had a great smile. He is no longer in pain and was welcomed home by so many family and friends from Loami. Take comfort that the creator has his arms around all of you at this time. George will be truly missed by many.
February 23, 2011
Mary, Punkie and Angie and family, we were so sorry to hear this sad news. George was a wonderful husband, father and friend. We will remember all the good times we had together. Anita & Ed Muench
Ted&Sue Farley
February 23, 2011
Mary, Punkie & Angie, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Ted enjoyed working with George all those years at Coke. We miss all of our old friends in Loami. You have our deepest sympathy.
Bernie Hatcher
February 23, 2011
Mary and Georgia,
I was saddened to see that you have lost someone so dear to both of you. Though I did not know George, I heard so many wonderful things about him through our mutual friend, Penny. In her accounts of your great Colorado adventures, I knew George had to be a terrific person since he loved camping and appreciated the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Know that I am thinking of all of you during this time.
Dan Geltmaker
February 23, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with George at Coca Cola many years ago. He was a wonderful coworker. Please accept my condolences.
Charlie&Bev Rhine
February 23, 2011
Bev and I extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of George`s family.Jim and George were my mentors when I started shooting.George set the mark for all of us veteran shooters.He was very competitive,worked hard at it,and always willing to help and lend advice.It is an honor to have known George and share his friendship.I will strive to achieve the goals George set.Your memory will last forever.
Sue & Allen Park
February 23, 2011
Mary, Sue and I extend our condolences to you and your family. As gentle as George was, he is smiling down on you and your family.
Sheri Pierce
February 23, 2011
Punkie I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 23, 2011
Mary Annette and Family so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tony and Donna Reichart,
Bushnell, Florida
Bob & Kathy Heitz
February 23, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Bill & Connie Roesch
February 23, 2011
Mary our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls, I have a lot of good memories from years ago and will cherish them as you all will.
George will certainly be missed.
Willard Gonterman
February 23, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Nona Acton
February 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of sorrow.
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