1948 – 2022

 “Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul”

 

On August 19, 1948, Sgt. Timothy Samuel McCray began active duty as an infant with a heart of gold. He brought much joy to the lives of his parents, Charles McCray and Rebecca Savage McCray. He grew up within “the Macon Street village” in the Madison, Florida community. Both parents preceded him in death.

Timothy was educated in the Madison County School District and graduated from Madison County Training School in the Class of 1966. He began his college career at Tennessee State University, majoring in Physical Education but followed through with his educational goal when he transferred to FAMU, graduating in 1971.

 

Timothy’s employment career was as colorful as his personality. His first job was that of a coach and Physical Education teacher in Miami-Dade County Florida School System. Then from 1973-1975, he gained employment in Madison County School District where he worked at Madison Middle School as a sixth-grade teacher. Because of the onset of job shortages, Timothy worked three years at JW Watkins Construction before he enlisted in the United States Army – first in combat and then as a medic. He retired from active duty with full military honors in 2003. 

 

Upon Timothy’s return to Madison, he occupied his time as a substitute teacher, motivational speaker, and dedicated church worker. However, he earned much acclaim in his self-appointed role as entertainer and greeter at O’Neal’s Country Buffet. His voice could be heard above the lunch or dinner crowds as he welcomed those who walked through the door with name recognition, a song, or even a salute.   

 

Timothy was one who never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He loved everybody and used his comedic personality to brighten anybody’s or everybody’s day. For these reasons, he assumed the nicknames “McAdoo”, the O’Neal’s greeter, the comedian, the drummer.  

 

Timothy was reared by a family of believers. He accepted Christ as his Redeemer early in life. As he grew in grace, he also grew in faith. He was an active member of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church of Madison, Florida, serving as a Trustee, choir member and drummer, and in any other capacity that he was needed.  He was faithful in his service and bold with his praise.

 

Timothy loved his family and he also loved others. He always spoke with fondness and fatherly pride about his children and grandchildren. He had his unique way of being the sunshine that brightened people’s days or lives. He put others ahead of himself and not only blessed them with reasons to smile at his antics, but also with random acts of kindness. He was an encourager with his words, finance, clowning, and even a hot meal.   

 

“It's time to come home dear brother; your tour of duty is through. You’ve given as much as anyone could ever expect to do.” The Lord recognized that it is well with Brother Timothy Samuel McCray’s soul. He has fulfilled his life’s mission, and will be rewarded for his perseverance, his integrity, and his good deeds. Therefore, the Lord chose Monday, November 28, 2022, to bring His faithful servant home to earn his eternal rest. 

 

 “So, take your place of honor among those who have gone before, and know that you will be remembered, for now and evermore.” Among those who will forever cherish the life, love, and legacy of Brother Timothy Samuel McCray are his devoted children: Timothy L. (Debra) McCray and Carney McCray, all of Madison, FL, and Raquel (Kenneth “KB” Sr.) of Dallas, TX; loving companion: LaKay Evans of Greenville, FL; brother: Enoch (Patricia) Mobley of Melbourne, FL; sister: Beverly Ann (Charles) Hicks, of Elliott City, MD; grandchildren: Tykeem McCray, Keyon McCray, Brooklyn Wingfield, Karysyn McCray, all of Madison, FL,  Monica Aikens and Tameka McCray of Orlando, FL, Kenneth Youngblood, Jr. and Kaiya Youngblood, both of Dallas, TX, Malcolm (Ahtori) Wingfield of Brooksville, FL and Wade Wingfield of Tampa, FL; along with many other loving relatives and sorrowing friends.