Mr. John Robert McCray, Sr. was born on June 1, 1924 in Bridgeboro, Georgia. He was the son of the late George and Ellen Robinson McCray. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

John was a member of Zion Baptist Church. He was employed with Wright Construction and Fairchild for a number of years. During his retirement he loved to fish, listen to gospel music, watch his favorite TV shows, sit on the back porch, and spend quality time with his family.

At an early age, he was a member of New Salem Baptist Church in Baconton, Georgia. John met his wife Mariana and was married on August 6, 1950. From this union, God blessed them with seven children: Evelyn Lockhart (Johnnie), Janice Barnes, Vivian Ferguson, Pam Carey (Duane), John McCray Jr. (Linda), Bevelyn Armstrong, and Lisa McCray. Eleven grandchildren: Johnnie Lockhart III (Traci), Marlo Barnes, Melinda Byrd (Damon), Michael Carey (Heather), Tia Bailey (Christian), Markisha Underwood, Darren Carey, Janay Armstrong, Kirksten Mitchell, John McCray III (Katy), and James McCray. Twelve great grandchildren: Latavia, Jayla, Marlo, Gabrielle, Olivia, Jonathan, Bradyn, Xavier, Talia, Taylor, Milan, and Kamdyn. Three great-great grandchildren: Ryanne, Knight, and Layla.

He is survived by four sisters: Mylie Latimer, Eva Webb, Helen Isom, Zenett Price (James), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and caring friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Mariana McCray. One brother, James McCray and three sisters: Ollie James, Hallie Claiborne, and Georgia (Gigi) Collins.

The service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Zion Baptist Church, 61 W. Bethel St, Hagerstown, MD. Rev Rickey A. Smith Sr. will officiate. Burial will be in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.