Mr. H.B. McCray also known as Bruce, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022 at his residence.

H.B. McCray also known as Bruce, Brucie, Boomer, Homer, but his personal favorite was PawPaw Bruce. Bruce came into this world screaming and yelling, and he left us on December 28th with his fist in the air ready to greet his love ones in Heaven. He was born July 5th 1941 to Charlie and Cleo McCray in Highmound, Alabama. He graduated from Susan Moore High School in 1959 where he was a multi Sport Athlete. Although he was offered a football scholarship, he decided to join the National Guard, and he served our country for 6 years. In 1968, Bruce met Shirley JoAnne Burdette, and after deciding that she was the one they were married on August 8, 1968. They were blessed with their first daughter Kendee in 1969, a few short years later they were lucky to welcome a second daughter Kem, and in 1976 they received their third blessing with their daughter Kelley. Bruce and Shirley Jo were blessed by their daughters with 11 grandchildren and 5 Great grandchildren as to date as well as some pretty good Son-in-Laws.

He worked in construction for the majority of his life, and was fortunate to start his own construction business in the late 1970s.
He was well known for his craftsmanship, and his drive for perfection. He worked tirelessly running his backhoe until his health would no longer permitted. Bruce and Shirley Jo were proud owners of Susan Moore BP for over 15 years and it became home of the "Red Truck Gang". The station was the place for kids to hang out after school, and where games could be analyzed and it seemed all world problems could be solved. He was a huge Alabama fan and loved yelling Roll Tide, but his greatest love were the Susan Moore Bulldogs. Bruce loved Susan Moore, he bled PURPLE and GOLD. He loved supporting the Bulldogs, and a piece of himself could be found throughout the community as there is not a building or athletic facility that he hasn't worked on. Bruce was known for wearing his famous overalls and muck boots. They had to be Starched and Ironed!! He had his work overalls, his dress overalls and his fancy shortalls. He loved getting people riled up and picking on them, but that is how he showed his love. Bruce was a honest man, he didn't hold back, and you always knew where you stood with him. The world is a better place because of him, he left a legacy for all of us to uphold. He will be greatly missed but we find comfort in knowing we will all see him again one day.
And yes Brucie, your are definitely worth far more than 15 cents!

He is survived by his daughters and their husbands – Kendee and Jason Chastain, Kem and Greg Hamrick, and Kelley and Eric Walker; grandchildren – Jordan Forsyth (Josh), Savannah Vargas (Gerardo), Bailee Price, Kayla Winfrey (Joey), Amber Hamrick, Garrett Hamrick, Zachary Bruce Hamrick, Ethan Walker, Charley Walker, Elliott Walker, and Jimmerson Walker; great grandchildren – Jackson Hamrick, Emmalee Winfrey, Chanlee Forsyth, Kyler Forsyth, and Olivia Vargas; brother – Jerry McCray (Wanda) and Wilburn McCray (Peggy); brothers-in-law – Terry Burdette (Gail), Ronnie Burdette (Nikki), and Allyn Harth; and special friends – Jessica and Richard Dobbins and kids, Lynn King, Jason Evett, Terry Grace, Rex Hamby, and Armando Chacon.

Mr. McCray is preceded in death by his wife – Shirley JoAnne Burdette McCray; parents – William Charles and Cleo Etol (Jimmerson) McCray; and sisters – Sharon McCray and Bonnie Jarvis.

Brother Mark Jones and Brother Paul Jones will conduct the Funeral Service on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM at High Mound Missionary Baptist Church.  Interment will follow at High Mound Cemetery.  Mr. McCray will Lie-In Repose, at Snead Funeral Home, Sunday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and at High Mound Missionary Baptist Church, Monday from 12:00 PM until Funeral Time.

Pallbearers will be – Garrett Hamrick, Zachary Hamrick, Ethan Walker, Elliott Walker, Josh Forsyth, Gerardo Vargas, Joey Winfrey, Greg Hamrick, Eric Walker, Jason Chastain, Lynn King, Terry Grace, Jason Evatt, and Rex Hamby.

In Lieu of Flowers the family suggests donations be made to: The Susan Moore Athletic Club, c/o Susan Moore High School, 4040 Susan Moore Road, Blountsville, AL 35031. In Memory of Bruce McCray.