James McCray

James Taylor McCray, 80, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away February 26, 2023, after a brief illness. James was born in Simsboro, Louisiana, on November 9, 1942, to parents John Taylor "Alf" McCray and Mary Jane McFarland McCray. James grew up in Louisiana, and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. After his military service, James met the love of his life, Betty Lee McCray, whom he married in 1966. James then pursued furthering his education and graduated with a master's degree in finance in 1974 from Georgia State University. Together they had 3 wonderful children. He was both a full-time father and a full-time worker. James was the Manager of Operations for Bellsouth from 1965 until his retirement in 1993. After retiring, he decided to join the workforce once more. He began working with Marietta Power in 2007 and retired from working with them in 2012. James was dedicated to both his work and his family. He would give generations of boys an opportunity for an education in woodcraft, self-sufficiency, and kindness. His legacy lives on through them and his family.

James was preceded in death by his son, Steven Matthew McCray; parents, "Alf" McCray and Mary Jane McCray; sister, Gracie Mae (Jimmie Ray) Meek; brother, Douglas McCray; brothers-in-law, Gerald Lee and Wayne Lee; sisters-in-law, Barbara Lee and Brenda Van Vugt; nephews, Chad Van Vugt-McGovern and Keith White; and nieces, Cindy Lee and Suzy Murphy.

James is survived by his loving wife, Betty Lee McCray; son, Michael Taylor McCray; daughter, Heather McCray Sanders (James); grandchildren: Savannah Carlene Sanders, Lillian Grace Sanders, and Kaitlyn Rose Sanders; nephews: Jimmie Wayne Meek of Haughton, LA; Todd Meek of Mandeville, LA; Jerry Lee of Bossier City, LA; Allen White of Ruston, LA; Cody Lee (Sara Jane) of Mountain View, AR; and Keagan Lee (Abigail) of Mountain View, AR; nieces: Penny Lee Branch (David) of Ruston, LA; Kayla Lee McIntire (Jesse) of Mountain View, AR; and Sheila Diane Wilson (Bo) of Huffman, TX; special friends: Robert "Bob" Stout, Terry Meeks, and LeighAnne Meek; and beloved great-nieces and great-nephews and extended relatives and friends.

The visitation will be held at West Cobb Funeral Home in Marietta, GA on Monday, March 6, 2023, beginning at 1:00 PM, with his funeral service at 2:00 PM. The funeral service will be live streamed on the West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. website. Interment will be held immediately following at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park in Marietta, GA.