Clarence McCray

Clarence McCray, 86, was born on April 9, 1928, in Sumter, to his proud parents, Robert Sr. and Mary Ballard McCray. He was the second child of six children. Clarence received his early education from the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from Lincoln High School. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the Good Shepard Episcopal Church, where he served as an altar boy.

Clarence volunteered to serve in the United States Army at the age of 18. He served honorably in World War II. After discharge from the military, he attended Morris College. He married Maurice Wortherly in the early 1950s and they had four daughters, Barbara, Bettina, Sheryl and Melva.

Clarence moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1955 with his family, where he worked in the steel industry for several years. In 1961, he relocated his family to Los Angeles, California. Clarence was chosen as one of the first African Americans to enroll in the Union Oil Co. dealership training program. An entrepreneur, Clarence was the owner of a Union Oil service station and served the Los Angeles community for 12 years. This impressive business venture allowed him the opportunity to provide employment for family members and the local community.

On June 16, 1979, Clarence married the love of his life, Elizabeth Mayrant McCray. They were soul mates and were happily married, serving the Lord with unselfish devotion, for 35 years.

Clarence was a member of the Guidance Church of Religious Science, where he was involved in many ministries. At the time of his death, Clarence was a member of the Los Angeles Third Church of Spiritual Living under the guidance of the Rev. Lisa Meggs. He supported many organizations in the church and cherished his church family.

Clarence was a golden heritage life member of the NAACP; a gold member of the National Urban League; and a member of the American Legion Post 252.

Clarence departed this life on June 18, 2014.

Clarence’s transition leaves his wife, Elizabeth M. McCray; his four daughters, Barbara Moore, Bettina McCray, Sheryl Quaintance and Melva Johnson; sons-in-law, Herman Quaintance and Henry Johnson; sisters, Ernestine Thomas and Roberta Johnson; in-laws, Dr. Major Thomas, George Johnson, Willie McCray, Louis and Jean Mayrant and Evelyn Mayrant; grandchildren, Jason, Gloria and Lindsey Evans, Tala, Keli and Erin Moore, Lauren Johnson Williams and Keenan Johnson; great-grandchildren, Auquess, Bailye, Jacdyn and Laila; countless nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Inglewood Center for Spiritual Living, 525 N. Market St., Inglewood, California, with the Rev. Ronnie Jones officiating, eulogist, assisted by the Rev. Lisa Meggs and the Rev. Jerald Smith.

Viewing and visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. today.

Interment will be in Ingle Park Cemetery.

Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary, 3801 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, is in charge of these arrangements.

This is a courtesy announcement of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.