Edward "Ed" L. McCray

Edward �Ed� L. McCray, 78, a life-time resident of Loami, died on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 10:52 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, surrounded by his family. Ed was born in Springfield on September 25, 1937. He was the eleventh child of Fred James and Lerna Lee (Rowden) McCray. Upon return from serving his country in the Navy in 1958, he married Evelyn M. Edwards on January 2, 1960. Ed worked as a driver and warehouse manager for Van Pickerill & Sons, and later at the IL State Museum. He was a Class B State Champion trap shooter, a St. Louis Cardinals, New York Jets & Nascar fan and he loved playing poker. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting & fishing with his son & daughter-in-law, brothers and extended Loami family. Ed is survived by his wife, Evelyn McCray of Loami, and four children; Bryan (Paula) McCray of Taylorville, Brenda (David) Lucas of Wentzville, MO, Becky McCray of Chatham, and Bobbi (Michael) Stark of Waco, TX; four grandchildren, Meghan McCray, Amber McCray, Michael Lucas, and Glynnis Gallion; and two great grandchildren; brother Pete (Mary) McCray of Gainesville, MO; sisters Rosemary (Ken) Locker and Carmen �Kay� Sporrer both of Parachute, CO; dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by sisters Wanda McCray, Florence McCray, Colleen Cloyd, Dorothy �Dolly� Mudd, Doris Spoor, and Wilma Stevens; brothers Joseph McCray, James �Jim� McCray, and George McCray. His family will greet friends from 4 � 7 p.m., Friday, July 29, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 30, with Rev. Donald Peck officiating. Burial will follow at Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Loami. Memorials may be made to the Loami Fire Department/Rescue Squad, 101 S. Main St., Loami, IL 62661.