Roy Howard McCray

Dr. Roy Howard McCray, age 80, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on March 22, 2026. Born on March 14, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama, he led a life defined by excellence and an enduring commitment to service.

A graduate of Carol W. Hayes High School, Dr. McCray earned a bachelor’s degree at Alabama A&M University before graduating as an honor student from Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry in 1978. He later served as an instructor at Meharry and earned a degree in dental surgery from the University of Alabama. On April 6, 1980, Dr. McCray opened his dental practice on Pulaski Pike, where he served the northwest Huntsville community for decades, providing compassionate and skilled care to countless patients.

Dr. McCray was also a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. His distinguished service earned him numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and a Marksman (Rifle) designation. In 1972, while in Nashville, Tennessee, he demonstrated extraordinary courage by helping to rescue a drowning boy. Administering CPR alongside another veteran, Dr. McCray played a key role in saving the child’s life.

Dr. McCray’s dedication to academic excellence was recognized when he was nominated by Alabama A&M University in 1989 as a distinguished alumnus at the 14th National Conference of Blacks in Higher Education in Washington, D.C. Beyond his scholastic, professional, and military accomplishments, Dr. McCray lived vibrantly. A music lover, he particularly appreciated jazz, sang in various church choirs, and played his cornet on special occasions. He was also an avid collector, and his albums were among his favorite possessions. Dr. McCray had an active lifestyle, enjoying running, walking, and traveling. He was known for his sharp wit, adventurous spirit, and outgoing personality, bringing energy and laughter to friends, family, and strangers alike.

Dr. McCray is remembered by four daughters—Kenja McCray, PhD (Michael A. Foster), Kendyl McCray, Kennethia McCray, and Roya McCray (fiancé, Stephen Costanzo); one son—Roy Haniel Harpreet McCray; three sisters—Vickie, Teresa, and Natalie (Australia); and three brothers, Maceo (Rena), Patrick, and Chris; eleven cherished grandchildren—Ayodele Foster-McCray, Sikudhani Foster-McCray, Esq., Cpl. Anthony Wright II, Tehya Wright, Priya Wright, Bailey Wright, Milo Wright, Harvey Ray Wright, Scottie Wright, Kingston Wright, and Niko Yasin Smith; and a host of extended family members, friends, and colleagues.

Parents, Annie Mae and Maceo Cleggett, and two sisters, Linda Pullum (survived by Willie) and Gail Askew, passed away prior to Dr. McCray.

Dr. McCray was a courageous trailblazer. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched, the community members he served, and the family he loved so dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home (Huntsville), 698 WINCHESTER RD NE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35811, on March 28, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.