With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of James Edward McCray, 60, of Kingstree, SC, husband of Cheryl McCray, who passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Life Reflections

James E. McCray, 61, passed away at his residence at 1043 Lexington Avenue, Kingstree, South Carolina on Thursday, August 7, 2025. He was born on August 9, 1964 to the late Joe Roy and Stella Mae Jones McCray.

James attended the public schools of Williamsburg County.

James McCray was the husband of Cheryl Chandler McCray. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on June 3, 2000.

James worked on the farm where he drove tractor. He was a planter, one of the things he loved doing until he left the farm. He was employed by Railroad Auction for many years.

James lived life to the fullest revolving around his wife and grandkids, who was his world. Papa, as he was called by many left his mark at 1043 Lexington Ave. as the waving man. He spoke to everyone. He had no one person he spoke to because he spoke to all. The wave man touched the heart of many just through his unwavering hands to speak.

He is survived by: his wife, Cheryl C. McCray of the home; one son, Jacob T. Tisdale of the home; three of whom he reared as his own; Earnest (Bonnie) Tisdale of Greenville, SC and Christopher Tisdale of Loris, SC; Erica Tisdale of Georgetown, SC; ten grandkids, 4 of the home, he reared as his own, they were his life-he loved them, Jamyla McCullough, Ny'Asia Montgomery, Ken'Dasha Montgomery and Kendrick Montgomery; two brothers, Joseph McCrea of Florence, SC and Jerry McCray of Kingstree, SC; one sister, Mary Tisdale of Kingstree, SC; three sisters-in-law, Patricia (Willie) Tisdale of Kingstree, SC, Frances (Terry) McClary of Andrews, SC and Rikkita Bass of New Haven, CT; ten brothers-in-law, Esaw (Gertrude) Chandler, Dayton (Anglia) Johnson, Harold (Mae) Johnson, Curtis (Gladys) Johnson, Walter (Joann) Johnson, Archie (Cena) Johnson, Lydon (Shary) Johnson and DeShannon (Towanda) Johnson all of Kingstree, SC, Norris Chandler of Myrtle Beach, SC and Leroy Chandler of Philadelphia, PA; father-in-law, Ben Johnson of Kingstree, SC; one uncle, Cicero (Susan) McCrea of Kingstree, SC; one aunt, Mattie Tucker of Rochester, NY; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by: three brothers, Roger McCrea, Rickey McCrea and Tracy McCrea and one sister, Betty Mae Wright.

The family is receiving friends and family at the residence at 1043 Lexington Ave, Kingstree, SC.

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