Mr. Howard Eugene McCray, the third of seven children, was born April 19, 1944 in Hopewell, VA, to the late Abraham and Thelma McCray. He entered into eternal rest on October 13, 2024.

He attended Columbia Heights and Atkins High School and later joined the United States Navy. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He then made his home in Long Beach, California. Howard was employed by Los Angeles County Hospital with 29-plus years of service.

He was a man who loved life and his family. His wife, Debbie, says she will cherish the memories of him loving his family. He loved to cook and was an avid fisher. He would give you the shirt off his back and Debbie chuckles at how he was a man of few words. Debbie would like to say, "Howard, Howard, you will be greatly missed."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Ms. Dorothy McCray, Mrs. Ernestine (Raleigh) Oglesby, Mrs. Barbara (Clevis) Dodd, Mrs. Cheryl (Thomas) Orr.

He was married to Debbie Whiting McCray for 42 years. To this union was born LaKenya "Pumpkin" McCray, Howard Jr. "Tiny" McCray and Abraham "Christian" McCray, all of Winston-Salem, NC; Extended blended family includes Alicia Roger-Scott, Candi and Tobenique Whiting. His grandchildren who he loved dearly are Deonte and LaKayla Jordan, Myli McCray and E'mani Sisco. Remaining to celebrate Howard's life, his brother, Reverend Charles (Bridget) McCray and sister, Margie Dodd, both of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Uncle, Reverend Maceo (Jeanette) Nesmith of Baltimore, Maryland and Aunt, Mrs. Rebecca English of Winston-Salem, NC, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends including a longtime friend, Jimmy Slade.

Howard, we all will continue to cherish your memories.-It is well with my soul-

Funeral services will be held 12:00 pm Friday October 25, 2024 at New Light Missionary Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:30am-12:00 pm at the church.