Earnest R. McCray Jr., 84, of Reading, Pennsylvania was met in heaven with open arms by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. He was predeceased by his wife Claudine (Latane) McCray on June 7, 2016.
Earnest was born on December 26, 1938 in Kingstree, S.C. a son of the late Earnest and Pearline (Scott) McCray.
Earnest proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a truck driver for most of his life working for Yellow Freight Trucking and Lentz Milling Company.
He was a true and faithful servant of Zion Baptist church where he served in various functions such as; former Chairman Deacon Ministry, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Trustee, CBMSA Male Chorus and President of the Hospitality Committee. Earnest was a member of George Washington Carver American Legion Post #962 and member of Mary Alice Temple #108.
He leaves behind to cherish in his memory, 2 sons, Darrian McCray and Dowin and his wife Celeste McCray, daughter, Benita McCray of New York, 2 step sons; Preston Ross, Jr. of Maryland and Michael Ross of Reading, PA. and step daughter, Teresa Albrecht Womelsdorf, PA., brother, Timothy McCray and sister Loretta McCray both of Suffolk, Virginia, 2 grandsons, Lavon McCray and DaQuan McCray, 10 step grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren and 4 step great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and close family friends.
Earnest was predeceased by his sister, Quindell E. McCray
A Viewing for Earnest will be Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM at Zion Baptist Church, 224 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601, followed by a Home Going Service at 10:30 AM.
Earnest will be laid to rest in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.TheoCAuman.com for the McCray family.
