Obituary

Willie E. "Billy" McCray, Sr.

April 11, 1945 — February 28, 2026

“I have fought a good fight. May the work I’ve done speak for me.” His Lord said unto him, “Well 
done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:21. You can come on in.

Willie E. McCray Sr., age 80, was born on April 11, 1945, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to the late Lydia and Curtis McCray. He peacefully departed this life surrounded by his family at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa, Louisiana, on February 28, 2026. After finishing high school, he began working at the Russell Company, where he dedicated thirteen years of service. He later continued his strong work ethic as a custodian and maintenance worker at First Baptist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana, where he faithfully served for another thirty years before retiring. In his free time, he loved doing yard work, caring for his flowers, spending time with his family, and watching his favorite western movies. Providing for his family meant everything to him.

In his early years, he developed a love for horses while being raised in the small community of Mitch. It was there that his hardworking spirit was shaped through simple living with his parents, strong values, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Beyond his strength and skills, he had the softest heart. He was gentle, compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He could make you laugh even when you didn’t feel like smiling. His jokes, his smile, and his warm spirit had a way of making everyone love him. He touched many lives during his time on this earth. He was also a faithful member of Sweet Beulah Baptist Church, where he served by transporting children to Sunday School and church activities while also helping with the maintenance and upkeep of the church. On August 18, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Beris Lorraine (Roscoe) Brown, and to this union six children were born.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of sixty-two years, Beris McCray; daughters, Sandra Forbes and Lydia Sharmika (Justin) Godbolt, both of Bogalusa, Louisiana; sons, Kenneth (Kimberly) McCray Sr. of Arlington, Texas, and Darrick McCray and Roderick McCray of Bogalusa, Louisiana. He also leaves behind his bonus children, Carl (Sheri) Jefferson of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kermit Nichols, Carl Nichols, Jadyn Godbolt, Justin Godbolt Jr., Kennia Brown, La’Keshia Forbes and bonus grandchild, Courtney Matthews; along with 28 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Josephine McCray of Forney, Texas; Barbara (Gregory) Robinson of San Antonio, Texas; and Gwendolyn (Glynn) Smith, Wanda White, and Janice McKelphin, all of Bogalusa, Louisiana. Brothers-in-law include Jackie (Connie) Brown of Hartford, Connecticut, and Steven (Laurie) Fortner Sr. of Wichita, Kansas. He also leaves one uncle, Bennie Conerly of Austin, Texas; special friends, Rodney Johnson and Otis Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lydia and Curtis McCray; his son, Willie McCray Jr.; bonus children, Larry Jefferson and Lionel Jefferson; sisters, Curtis Lee Harrington and Shirley Freeman; brothers, Robert Charles McCray and Walter Charles McCray; grandchild, Charles “Hubba” Forbes Jr. and great grandchild, Tajdryn Forbes; and son-in-law, Charles “Anthony” Forbes Sr.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2025 at 2:00PM at Sweet Beulah Baptist Church 1408 North Roosevelt Street Bogalusa, LA 70427 with Reverend Bobdric Magee - Pastor Officiating. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home - Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.