With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Gilbert McCray, 70, of Salters, SC, a retired farmer, husband of Barbara McCray, who passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Life Reflections

Gilbert McCray, born on March 15, 1954, in Williamsburg, South Carolina, was the beloved son of the late Mr. James McCray and Mrs. Lydia Hurd McCray. As the fifth born of 15 siblings, Gilbert was raised in a home filled with love, laughter, and the strong sense of family that would guide him throughout his life.

Mr. McCray became a faithful servant of God at an early age while attending Jerusalem United Methodist Church, Gilbert's life was marked by dedication, hard work, and service to others. He was an active member of his church, where he served as an usher, a custodian, and a member of the male chorus. His commitment to his faith and his community were evident in all that he did. In his professional life, he attended D.P. Cooper High School. Gilbert worked as a construction worker and was known for his skills as a handyman. His love for the outdoors was reflected in his passion for farming and fishing, pursuits that brought him great joy and peace.

Gilbert's greatest pride, however, was his family. He was a loving husband, a devoted father to his son, and an amazing "Papa" to his grandchildren. One of his most cherished roles in life was that of a husband, and he took immense joy in his partnership with his wife. His love for his family extended beyond the home, as he was a trusted and respected figure in his community, always willing to lend a hand or share a meal. Gilbert had a special talent for cooking, and he loved nothing more than preparing a good meal for those he loved. Raising hogs was another one of his passions. But most important his passion was spending quality time with his wife, children, grandchildren and siblings.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his siblings, James L. McCray, Baron McCray, Elsie Cooper, Harry Lee McCray and Raymond McCray. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and hard work that will be carried forward by his surviving family, friends, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness and dedication.

Though he has gone from this world, the memory of Gilbert's gentle spirit, his devotion to family, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

I hope this captures the essence of his life and the love he shared and passions that brought him peace and joy.

Gilbert was united in Holy Matrimony to Barbara Ford McCray. From this union, Gilbert became a devoted father to one son, Gilbert Jr. McCray, and a loving grandfather to three grandchildren, Messiah, Zion and Adaya (Sweetise).

Loved ones left to cherish his memories are: his wife, Barbara Ford McCray of the home; one son, Gilbert Jr. McCray (Judea) of North Carolina; four brothers, Kenneth McCray (Jeanette) of Columbia, SC, Sam J. McCray (Jeanetta) of Kingstree, SC, Timothy McCray (Deloris) and adopted brother, Gerome Celes McCray both of Salters, SC; six sisters, Tina McCray of Salters, SC, Cena McCray (Herbert) of Greensboro, NC, June Harden of Kingstree, SC, Mary Ann Dennis (Nate) and Ruby McCray Troxler both of Greensboro, NC and Ruth McCray (Willie) of Salters, SC; sisters-in-law, Marilyn McCray of Salters, SC, Diane Carswell (Gregory) of Atlanta, GA, Deloris Rankin of California and Junelle Wells (Chris) of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, Tommy Ford of Pamplico, SC; special sons he raised as his very own, James Anthony Nesmith, Gary McCray, Jeremy Jerome McCray, Melvin McCray, Willie Shay Stephens, William Benjamin Frazier, John Lamar Frazier and Sabian Felder; along with a host of nieces,  nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

The family will begin receiving friends and family on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 304 Jonah Dr., Salters, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.