Frederick “Fred” Maurice McCray, age 87, of Bristol, TN passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born July 12, 1933 in Saltville, VA, and was a son of the late Arthur L. and Annie Barnett McCray. Mr. McCray attended the Bluefield College in Bluefield, VA, and ETSU in Johnson City, TN. He was a SSGT in the U.S. Army, served in the Army Security Agency from 1953-1956, and served during the Korean Conflict. He was an active member of the Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post #6975 in Bristol, TN/VA, and a lifetime member of the Disable American Veterans. He was an employee of Brown Engineering on the NASA Campus at Camp Canaveral, FL. (1963-1964), and then later worked for UNIVAC/Sperry. Mr. McCray previously attended Avoca Christian Church. He was a big fan of John Wayne, and enjoyed collecting John Wayne memorabilia.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Taylor McCray; sisters, Lois Peak and Nell McCray; brothers, Junior McCray and Bill McCray. Surviving include his sons, Kevin McCray, Joel McCray and wife Dawn; grandchildren, Nathan McCray and Sarah McCray; sisters, Jane Oberson, Dorris Peak, Evelyn Hutton and husband Mike; many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Troy Taylor and wife Debbie.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 2 p.m. in the Mountain Home National Cemetery with Pastor Chad Blevins officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Tennessee National Guard Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281.
Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Arrangements were made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
I worked with Fred at Univac. He was such a good man.
I am so saddened with the passing of a very dear friend. I worked with him for nearly 18 years at Sperry and we
had a very good relationship. He and I talked about everything in life and our work. Fred was a quite kind and
loving person and will surely be missed. May God comfort you in this time of grief.
Don Norman
Dear Kevin & Joel,We are sorry about the loss of your Dad, He was such a special person to us as a neighbor and friend. We all had such a good time when we had our neighborhood block parties. Jeff was crazy about him. Our dog, George loved him so much. Tom passed away 2 years ago with Afib &copd. Mary, across the street passed away 1 year ago around Christmas time. The neighborhood is not the same anymore.
WE will be praying for you and your family. Love Norma & Jeff Johnson
Norma and Jeff – so sorry to hear Tom has passed. Dad loved you guys. He always looked forward to talking to Jeff aabout Tennessee football. God bless.
Don…not sure if I ever met you, but Dad enjoyed his time at Univac and often talked about what a great group of co-workers that was in his section. Thanks for your comments.
Marie…thank you as well for your kind words….
Hey Kevin, I have only met your dad a few times, but he did seem like a great guy! I am sorry to hear about his passing, and I want you to know that I am here for you my friend. I am only a phone call away. Take care my friend and I hope to see you soon. You will be in Patti and I prayers.