George H. McCray

George H. McCray, 80, of Kingsport, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. A native of Sullivan County, he was the son of the late Newt and Grace McCray. After graduating from Holston High School he began working at Eastman. While serving in the U.S. Army, he was stationed in Germany. Upon his discharge from service, he returned to Eastman where he retired after 40 years of employment. He enjoyed farming, making apple butter and flea marketing. George was an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Kingsport.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, James and Ralph; two sisters, Olivene Coker and Sue Strickler; one daughter, Helen Coe; and two grandchildren, Jennifer and Brian.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia Fink McCray; three daughters, Elizabeth Willingham and husband, Joe of Johnson City, Maxine McCray and Patsy McCray of Kingsport; son, Richard McCray and wife, Janet of Kingsport; three granddaughters, Amber Coe, Sara McCray and Abby McCray; grandson, Brayden Blakley, "Papaw's little buddy"; two brothers, Roy McCray of Nashville and Vernon McCray of Kingsport; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call Monday evening at the home of Maxine and Patsy McCray's, 342 Oak Haven Dr., or 5-7:00 pm Tuesday at Bible Baptist Church, 246 Hilton St., Kingsport, TN. Funeral services will follow the visitation at the church at 7:00 pm with Rev. Don McCann officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Cynthia Reece and the staff of HMG, Kingsport Hematology and Oncology, Suncrest Healthcare, the nurses on the third floor of Wilcox Hall and the Wellmont Hospice Staff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the "Playground Fund" in care of Bible Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5756, Kingsport, TN 37663.