Harold Dean McCray, Sr.

Mr. Harold Dean McCray, Sr., 84, passed away on May 4, 2026, under the care of Gentiva Hospice at The Griffin House Assisted Living in Claxton, Georgia.

Harold was a wonderful father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to so many throughout Statesboro, Metter, Portal, and many surrounding communities.

Harold was born on March 25, 1942, to the late Daniel Webster “Preacher” McCray and the late Bernice Love McCray in Bulloch County, Georgia. He was the second child born of twelve children. Harold was educated in the Bulloch County School System and graduated from William James High School in 1962.

Before graduating high school, Harold began cutting hair at the age of 14, starting a profession that would last a lifetime. Over the years, Harold cut the hair of his father, brothers, sons, cousins, friends, uncles, and countless men, women, and children throughout the community. His barbering career lasted more than 60 years, retiring at the age of 70 after his vision began to fail.

In addition to being a barber, Harold also worked for the Bulloch County School System, where he held many different positions, including Head Custodian and school bus driver for approximately 10 years. He retired after 32 years of dedicated service to the Bulloch County School System.

Harold is survived by his wife, Carrie Jones McCray; five children: Mark (Tiffany) McCray of Stafford, Virginia; Bonita (Eugene) White of Statesboro, Georgia; HD (Dwayne) McCray of Stockbridge, Georgia; Latrell (Willie) Brinson of Statesboro, Georgia; and Joey Holloway of Macon, Georgia.

He is also survived by six sisters: Dorothy Morris, Amanda Gadson, and Ilene Parrish, all of Metter, Georgia; Emma (Henderson) Dunlap and Velma McCray, both of Atlanta, Georgia; and Vannie (Gill) Walker of Savannah, Georgia.

Five brothers also survive him: Grady (Frances) McCray, Ronald McCray, and James (Faye) McCray, all of Metter, Georgia; Daniel (Betty) McCray of Savannah, Georgia; and Warner (Annie) McCray of Midway, Georgia.

He also leaves to cherish his memory one sister-in-law, Lula Mae Harris of Miami, Florida; and three brothers-in-law: Spencer (Crystal) Jones of St. Petersburg, Florida, Lawrence (Chloe) Jones, and Rudy Jones, both of Tampa, Florida.

Harold was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren: Tyronda Collins of Metter, Georgia; Taurean White of Statesboro, Georgia; Brittney White of Statesboro, Georgia; Sheldon (Brenda) White of Mineola, Florida; DeShawn Roberts of Statesboro, Georgia; Taysha Roberts, Tavis Roberts, both of Statesboro, Georgia; Camron McCray of Stafford, Virginia; Candice McCray of Augusta, Georgia; Crystal Smith of Atlanta, Georgia; and Miracle Mikell of Twin City, Georgia.

He is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Harold also leaves behind many close friends and extended family members, including Mr. Gordon Mincey of Portal, Georgia; Mrs. Mickey Pryor of Statesboro, Georgia; Al and Marjorie Hines of Statesboro, Georgia; “Big Scotty” Roberson of North Carolina; Gary Lewis of Statesboro, Georgia; and the family of the late George Thompson.

The family also acknowledges the many friends, workmates, and former co-workers from Donaldson and McCray Barbershop, William James Middle School, and Langston Chapel Middle School, along with all those who assisted Harold in one way or another at The Griffin House Assisted Living in Claxton, Georgia, and the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice of Statesboro, who cared for him in countless ways.

Graveside services for Mr. Harold McCray, Sr., will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Daniel McCray Cemetery, 21287 Rosemary Church Road, Metter, GA 30439. Bro. Eugene White, officiating.

Please keep the family of Mr. Harold Dean McCray, Sr., in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.

Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements.

Family and friends may sign the online register book, express online condolences, send flowers or other memorial gifts via our website.