Carlton McCray

Carlton Levi McCray, 87, of Sadler, Texas, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at Texas Presbyterian Hospital, Sherman, Texas.

Carlton was born Feb. 19, 1923, on a farm 3 miles north of Sadler, to Levi Henderson McCray and Grace Evelyn Hester McCray. He was one of 12 children. His early school years were in Elk City, Okla. He later studied two years at business school in Sherman.

Carlton served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army. He was a decorated war veteran; he was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with five Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He later attended Army reunions, was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and spoke to a public school class about his experiences.

He married Alma McBride on Dec. 20, 1946, at Wood Street Church of Christ, Sherman. They had six sons.

Carlton was a retired ranch manager, overseeing a large acreage west of Sherman for the Bob Pickens enterprise, across about a half-century. In later years, Mr. and Mrs. McCray moved from the ranch to a home in Sadler.

Carlton also was a member of the Cattleman's Association, a 32nd-degree Mason and lifetime member of the Travis Street Lodge at Sherman, and a member of Wood Street church.

Most recently, he regularly played dominoes at the Sadler community center. He was an expert player, including double-12s, and took part in tournaments across the years.

Among the survivors are four sons, Dale McCray of Denison, Dennis and Johnny McCray of Sadler, and Dana McCray of Petty; numerous grandchildren in Texas, Florida, and Nebraska; and several great-grandchildren. Also, brothers and sisters, Charlie McCray, Vivian White, Johnny McCray, Ken McCray, Ruby Sargent, Kat Thomas, and Nancy Lilly; and their extended families. Also, members of the McBride family, in California. The family expresses special thanks to Thelma Keelan.

Among those who predeceased him were his wife, Alma, in 1999; two sons, Donald McCray, in 1993, and Douglas "Pete" McCray, in 2001; and a great-granddaughter, Aubrey Kate Welch, in 2009.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Waldo Funeral Home, Sherman. The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.

Pallbearers will be Lewis McCray, David McCray, Chad Welch, Marty Hall, Robert Scott, Jared McCray, and James and David Crookham. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Pickens, Lee Roberson, Wayne Delaney, Billy Snyder, Edward Blakeley, and Jim Jones.

Memorial donations may be sent to a charity of your choice.