George Lee McCray

 George Lee McCray was born December 15, 1935, in Statesboro (Bulloch County) Georgia. He was the first of seven children born to the late George and Ilene Braziel McCray.  He peacefully departed this life on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland.
     As a young boy, George walked several miles each day to receive his formative education at Rehovia School in rural Bulloch County, Georgia. He attended Willow Hill Junior High School and he graduated from William James High School in 1956.  He furthered his education by attending Tuskegee Institute (now University)in Tuskegee Alabama where he studied electronics and engineering. He completed his course work and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.  While attending Tuskegee Institute, George was initiated into the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
     While attending college, George was called to report for duty in the U.S. Army.  He requested permission to complete his course of study before  reporting and permission was granted.  After graduating, he promptly reported to the Army before being called again.  The majority of his military career was spent in Maryland.
     While in college, George met Ernestine Handsom of Twin City, Georgia.  The couple married in 1963.  They were blessed with one daughter, Karen Antoinette. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, George and Ernestine lived for a while in Washington, DC and New York, New York.  They eventually settled in Forestville Maryland where they resided for 54 years.  He was employed by IBM, Inc. and retired from the company in 1993.
     Although George was never a stranger to hard work, he made time to honor God, serve his community and love his family and friends. Jesus Christ was the head of his life and his household.   On March 23, 1986, George was baptized at First Baptist Church of Highland Park, Landover, Maryland, under the leadership of Reverend James McCord.  He was a faithful member for 37 years, serving in the Male Chorus and December Birthday Ministry.
      He was actively involved in civic organizations in his community.  He promoted voter registration, campaigned for and endorsed various individuals that he felt were right for his community and the nation. He also volunteered as an election judge.
     George was a champion for education.  Through his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter, he participated in educational scholarship programs, hosted college fairs and mentored young African American males.
      One of his most beloved hobbies was baking delicious pound cakes from scratch to share with family and friends.  
     Affectionately known as a gentle giant, George has touched many lives in his 87-year journey and his kind spirit will be greatly missed.  Left with cherished memories are his loving wife, of 60 years, Ernestine Handsom McCray and devoted daughter, Karen McCray Smith; two brothers, William A. McCray of Fayetteville, GA and Leon McCray of Augusta, GA; four sisters, Bertha L. Pryor and Valerie McCray both of Statesboro, GA, Brutene Linder of Fayetteville, GA and Joyce Mitchell (Frank) of Atlanta, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church of Highland Park, Landover, Maryland on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Public viewing will be one hour prior to the service. Burial in the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery. 

Livestream link: www.fbhp.org 

Pridgen Funeral Home P.A., in charge of final arrangements.

Courtesy of Whitaker Funeral Home

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