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- The Clarksburg Exponent Telegraph, Wednesday, 23 Apr 2003.
Lawrence D. McCray
SALEM -- Lawrence D. McCray, 96, of Camden Avenue, Buckhannon, formerly of Duffy, died in the St. Joseph's Hospital at 4 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2003, following a brief illness.
He was born April 6, 1907, at Wildcat, Lewis County, the son of the late Welton Branch and Flora Eletha Forinash McCray.
Surviving are his former wife, Grace Pickens McCray of Buckhannon; one son, Leonard D. and wife Nola McCray of Hacker Valley; two daughters, Eletha (Lea) Smarr of Buckhannon and Mrs. Carl (Wanda) Greathouse of Salem; a sister, Miss Bernadine McCray of Wildcat; grandchildren, Brenda Williams, Linda Williams, Larry Smarr, Billy Smarr, Rick Smarr, Debra Smarr Gordey, Rocky Smarr, Tami Smarr Spencer, Jimmy Smarr, Marsha Jordan, Terri McCourt, Vicky White, Rodney McCray, Crystal McCray and Trisha McCray and Scott Hinkle. Also surviving are nineteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews with whom he maintained a close relationship.
He was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Heather Lea Hinkle and Chris Smarr, by three brothers, James Arris McCray, Ralph McCray and infant brother David Arden McCray, also by two sisters, Mrs. Merle McCray and Retta Beckman.
During his early years, Mr. McCray attended Mt. Pickens School and later graduated from the eighth grade at Bablin and because of the need of his help on the family farm, he was unable to further his education. He was later employed with various logging and mining companies, then was postmaster at Wildcat during the 1930s. His last working years were at Homer Laughlin China Co. at Newell, WV, where he retired in 1972 after 31 years of faithful service.
He made his home with daughter, Eletha in Buckhannon for thirty years and during this time he was actively involved in helping care for his grandchildren. In the months prior to his death, he lived with daughter, Wanda in Salem.
It was apparent to everyone who knew him that he was very devoted to his family and interested in their varied activities. His soft-poken ways endeared him to everyone.
Early in life Lawrence McCray was known to walk miles or ride horseback to attend various church activities and socials. Because of his interest in church, he was baptized at an early age and joined Elijah Chapel Methodist Church at Bablin, where he remained a lifelong member.
During recent years, he realized considerable pleasure listening to and watching the Lawrence Welk weekly show.
Friends may call at the Heavner-Cutright Funeral Home, Tennerton, Thursday, noon until 8 p.m. where funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. Rev. Doug Smailes will preside. Burial will be in the McCutchan Chapel Cemetery at Duffy.
Obituary courtesy of Greathouse Funeral Home, Salem.
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1907 - 2003 (96 years)
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