Robert Leroy McCray

Robert Leroy McCray, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at home in El Cajon, CA on 08/26/2023. Born in Hot Springs, South Dakota on 12/31/1931 to parents Jesse G. McCray and Helen “Lucille” McCray (Griffin), Robert went on to lead an enriched life of love, adventure and high achievement.

Robert attended Kearny Mesa High School, and he later attended college courses at SDSU. Robert was a hard-working man who accomplished many great career highlights. He worked at Del Mar Racetrack and at Coca Cola as the Director of Public Affairs. He also owned his own business, La Mesa Carpet and Linoleum proudly for twenty years. He retired after so many years of dedicated service from both Coca Cola and his own business.

Robert experienced many other incredible personal achievements. He coached baseball for the Pony and Colt Leagues, acted as the President of the SDSU Aztec Athletic Foundation and the President of the Resident Council of Solstice. True to his congeniality, he was even crowned the Valentine’s Day King at Solstice not once, but twice.

Robert was a seasoned traveler. He loved the city of San Francisco and visited many times. He also visited Chicago, Las Vegas, and many other cities and states. These include Michigan, Hawaii and Montana. He also traversed the world, making visits in the Mexican Riviera, China, Jamaica and Ireland. As a passionate sports lover, Robert attended the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo and the AFL NFL Championship game in 1967 (which later became Super Bowl I at the Los Angeles Coliseum). Robert adored the SDSU college football team. This was his favorite team and he followed them all around.

Robert’s greatest life endeavor was caring for his friends, community and his family. He married his wife of 72 years, Darlene McCray (Robinson, of El Cajon CA) on 03/17/1951. They went on to lead a wonderful family together. These include: daughter Debra Cook and husband Danny Cook (deceased) of Oceanside CA; Son Jerry McCray and spouse Doreen Snow McCray of El Cajon, CA; Daughter-in-Law Julie McCray of Santee, CA; Grandchildren Travis McCray and spouse Meghan McCray of San Rafeal, CA; Alicia Cook Steeves and spouse Seth Steeves of Allen, TX; Tyler McCray and spouse Chrissy McCray of Santee, CA; Shawna Snow of VA; Roger Snow and spouse Tiffanye Snow of TX; Reina Snow Maniscalo and spouse Andy of Lakeside, CA; and several great-grandchildren: Dylan and Declan McCray of Santee, CA; Parker and Cade McCray of San Rafael, CA; Abram and Rowan Steeves of Allen, TX; and Jocelyn and Gianna Maniscalo of Lakeside, CA. He loved each one very much.

Bob’s legacy lies in his leadership skills which continued to impact others he had met. He lived by the words “everyone is important” and he encouraged everyone to take pride in whatever job or task they had. He was always happy to meet new friends. His mission was to make them all feel welcomed and valued. He wanted to listen to everyone’s stories and he also loved to tell others all of his.

We love you Bob, and will always cherish all of the gifts that you have given us.