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BORN
1950
DIED
2017
Johnnie McCRAY Obituary
McCRAY, Johnnie Michael
Johnnie Michael McCray, born May 20, 1950, in Pendleton, OR to Dallas and Nellie McCray passed October 19, 2017, sur- rounded by his family in Fort Walton, FL.
Raised in CDA and Post Falls, ID, John graduated from Post Falls H.S. in 1968. John was looking forward to attending his 50-year reunion and hoped to spend a month in the area visiting friends and family.
After high school, John moved to Denver where he learned the art of being a jeweler. In the early 70's, John moved to Spokane and founded John Michael McCray Jewelers. Johns passion was in the art of designing and creating beautiful jewelry.
In 1975 he married Diane Henshaw. In 1976 they welcomed a son, Brian and in 1979 a daughter, Sarah. John was a loving father and grandfather. John loved to tell jokes, funny stories and to tease people, always with a kind smile. John loved good food and to share it with family and friends.
John enjoyed his last years at the base of The Great Smokey Mountains, semi-retired while continuing his passion as a goldsmith. Those left to morn and cherish his memory are wife Dora and children, Brian McCray and Sarah Dexter (Matthew); grandchildren, Sienna and Brayden; stepchildren, Alfredo Vela and Jennifer Sampson (Roy), and their seven children and one grandchild; a brother, Arden Reynolds, sisters Nellie Reynolds, Linda McCray and Martha Ford; and many extended family and friends. John is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lowen Reynolds.
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Memories and Condolences
for Johnnie McCRAY
Ron Koep
December 19, 2017
I worked, partied, and enjoyed John in Cd'a when in our early 20's. The last time I saw him was in the early 80's helping him move into his home. I was just wondering where he was today(Dec. 2017),When I found the obit. Very sad to see that. Best wishes to his family.
Jeff Niccum
November 14, 2017
I first met John at Church in the 1980s. He was very smart and articulate and we quickly became good friends. John was very passionate about his beliefs and wasn't shy in sharing them! One reason we got along so well is that I agreed with most things he talked about, but our disagreements didn't affect our friendship.
John was a world-class goldsmith and custom-designed (and made) my wife's wedding ring upgrade. He took great pride in the quality of his work and I saw many phenomenal pieces of jewelry.
I lost touch with John after he moved to Seattle, however did hunt him down one time while traveling over there, and we had dinner to catch up. As it is with good friends, we picked up where we left off.
I again lost touch with him and discovered he had moved to Tennessee after calling Diane while cooking a chicken dinner for the family.
I digress - but a seemingly innocent event took place one weekend when after spending the afternoon on his house-boat on Lake Coeur d'Alene, John cooked dinner and grilled chicken using some kind of spicy recipe. It was by far the best chicken we had ever eaten. He graciously shared this recipe and it has become legend in our family. Our kids call it "hot chicken" and it is the #1 most requested meal when they visit.
Every time I cooked chicken this way it would remind me of John - and it was what prompted me to call Diane to find out he was in Tennessee!
I surprised him with a phone call and we re-connected - talking off and on and communicating by e-mail over the past few years.
He was in Spokane last summer, called me, and we got together for dinner. We had a very nice evening and several times he brought up his kids in the conversation. It was clear that he deeply loved Brian and Sarah and communicated with them frequently.
It was with great sorrow I heard of his passing and I share my deepest condolences to Sarah, Brian, and Diane. We will all greatly miss him.
It is comforting to know that John is merely sleeping right now and awaits a resurrection back to life. This is what he believed and what I believe. See you then John!
Marcea Elder
November 8, 2017
Good to see you last night Sarah McCray Dexter. I've known your Father since before you were born. Such a wonderful man and a very talented jeweler. It's hard for me to believe you're Father is gone now but he's not far away. He's actually closer to you now.. he's your guardian angel now honey & right by your side till you meet again. Sending prayers to your Brother & your Dearest Mother that I'm having joy in reconnecting with. She hurts for her children just as I hurt for all of you. Have peace in your heart in knowing he knew you & Brian were with him in his final moments here on earth. With Love ❤ &
Claudette Jones
November 7, 2017
JOHN was a wonderful Father!He always made people smile. His Son and grandson look so like him, and he loved his family so very much
Diane McCray-Bertsch
November 7, 2017
John was a talented and trusted jeweler. He was a great husband and a wonderful, involved and loving father.
Sarah Dexter
November 5, 2017
We will miss our dad so much!! If you knew him, please tell us how or leave a message or story about him!!!
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