Robert C. McCray "Mac"

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of

Robert C. “Mac” McCray

Robert C. McCray, affectionately known as “Mac,” was born on July 24, 1941, in Headland, Alabama, to the union of Jim McCray and Gradie Robinson-McCray.

Robert was a man of strength, character, determination, and compassion. He was kind and loving, yet direct and honest. He cared deeply for others and found great joy in lending a helping hand whenever and wherever he could. To those who knew and loved him, Mac was a devoted family man, a hardworking provider, a veteran, an avid reader, and a lifelong learner who believed strongly in the value of education and developing practical skills.

A Life of Love and Family

Robert was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary McCray. Together, Robert and Mary shared more than 64 years of marriage, building a life centered around love, family, faith, commitment, and service to others. Their union was blessed with one beloved daughter, Gwendolyn McCray-Buchanan of Bridgeport, Michigan. Robert loved his family deeply, and one of the greatest treasures of his life was watching his family grow through the generations.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Gwendolyn McCray-Buchanan (Michael); three grandchildren, Michael Buchanan (Felicia), Lakisha Wilson (Ray), and Daniel Buchanan (Christina); ten great-grandchildren, Michael A. Buchanan (Kaylee), Keandra Buchanan, Brandon Buchanan (Hunter), Seth Buchanan (Alewa), Lauren Buchanan-Wilson, Raymond Wilson III, Savannah Wilson, Daniel “DJ” Buchanan Jr., Zion Buchanan, and Nova Buchanan; and three great-great-grandchildren, Maya, Anthony, and Cade.

Robert also leaves to cherish his memory three siblings, Nora Hollis, Barbara Hollis-Lawson of Saginaw, Michigan, and Elaine Hollis of California; two nieces, Dedrea Owens-Carter and Taryn Owens; a special cousin, Charles (Dee-Dee) Greene; Ida M. McCray-Hill; his sister-in-law, Rita Kinchelow; and a host of nephews, great-nephews, nieces, great-nieces, cousins, extended family members, and friends. He also leaves behind the Kinchelow family of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Memphis, Tennessee, who remained an important part of his extended family and life.

A Man Who Valued Education and Hard Work

Robert believed that education did not end in the classroom. He understood the importance of learning a trade, developing a skill, working with your hands, and continuing to improve yourself throughout life. His commitment to education and skilled training led him to earn a certificate from Saginaw Business Institute as well as a certificate from Lansing Community College. He was passionate about gaining knowledge and developing skills that could be used to build a productive and meaningful life.

Robert carried that strong work ethic throughout his career. He worked for Greace Construction, where he remained until his retirement. His dedication to work reflected the same qualities that characterized his life: dependability, perseverance, responsibility, and commitment.

A Proud United States Army Veteran

Robert proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. His military service was an important part of the man he became, strengthening the values of discipline, responsibility, service, and dedication that he carried throughout his life. After years of honorable service to his country, Robert was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1968. His family remembers and honors not only the husband, father, grandfather, and friend that he was, but also the soldier who answered the call to serve his country.

Faith, Fellowship, and the Things He Loved

Robert was a member of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where he shared in Christian faith and fellowship. Outside of his work and responsibilities, Mac knew how to enjoy life. He was a skilled bowler who enjoyed the fellowship and friendly competition that came with the sport. He also loved fishing, where he often took his family, where he could enjoy the outdoors and the peacefulness of the water.

Robert also loved reading. His love of reading complemented his lifelong belief in education and learning. Whether through formal schooling, skilled training, reading, work, or simply the lessons of life, Mac believed there was always something more to learn.

But perhaps one of his greatest qualities was his willingness to help others. Robert cared about people. He was kind, direct, loving, dedicated, and deeply caring. When someone needed assistance, encouragement, advice, or simply someone willing to show up, Mac was the kind of man who wanted to help.

Those Who Went Before Him

Robert was preceded in death by his beautiful and beloved wife of more than 64 years, Mary McCray; his parents, Jim McCray and Gradie McCray-Hollis; his mother-in-law, Ann Edith Kinchelow; his father-in-law, Thomas H. Kinchelow; and his sisters, Deborah Hollis and Dora McCray. His brothers, Jerry McCray, Jimmy McCray, Donald Hollis, and Pate Hollis II; sister-in-law, Barbara Kinchelow; brothers-in-law, Thomas Jr., Charles, and Kelly Kinchelow, 

Though the loss of Mary left an irreplaceable space in the family, Robert and Mary’s extraordinary love story lives on through their daughter and the generations that followed them. Their many decades together created a family legacy that neither time nor death can erase.

A Legacy That Lives On

Robert C. “Mac” McCray lived a life that demonstrated that a man's legacy is built not only through what he accomplishes, but through whom he loves, whom he helps, what he teaches, and what he leaves behind in the lives of others. He was a husband who loved his wife, a father who loved his daughter, a grandfather who treasured his family, a soldier who served his country, a hardworking man who provided for those he loved, and a lifelong learner who understood the power of knowledge and skill.

His kindness, directness, love of family, and willingness to help others will be remembered. And his legacy will continue through his daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and the countless lives he touched along the way. Robert C. “Mac” McCray will be deeply missed, but the life he lived, the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the family legacy he helped build will continue for generations to come.

Rest well, Mac. Your work is complete, your love remains, and your legacy lives on.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7