Obituary of Richard McCray

Richard Lee McCray, 79, formerly of the town of Rome, died Friday, July 27, 2012, at Strawberry Lane Medical and Rehabilitation Center under the care of Ministry Hospice. Richard was born February 15, 1933 in South Bend, Indiana to Galen and Geraldine (Gerard) McCray. He married Mary Wilson, who preceded him in death. He married Sharon Knott on August 24, 1979 in Park Forest, Illinois. He served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in France. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Purdue and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He worked as a chemical engineer for People?s Gas Company in Chicago until his retirement. Richard loved his grandchildren, his cats, playing pool, and was a voracious reader of crime novels. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Sharon McCray; six children: Steven (Julia) McCray, Jeanne McCray, Jacqueline (Mark) Jacobs, William (Amy) Busse, David McCray and Kimberly (Doug) McClain; fourteen grandchildren: Jessica and Jonathon McCray, Michael McCray, Lindsay, Danielle, and Kevin Brown, Aaron Jacobs, Lily and Therese Busse, Madeline and Alex Disz, Aidan Lueken, Harrison Lewis, and Oliver McClain; one brother, Bob (Maxine) McCray; one sister, Carla (John) Lawton; and eleven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Galen and Geraldine McCray, his first wife, Mary (Wilson) McCray, and sister Cynthia (McCray) Kendall. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Richard?s friend, Dawn Metzger, for all of her care and attention. He truly appreciated every moment you gave him. There will be no public service or visitation. Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home is assisting the family.