of Gainsville, MO

September 3, 2017

Mr. Paul (Pete) Eugene McCray, 77, of Gainesville, Missouri passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017. He was born December 29, 1939 to Frederick James McCray and Lerna Lee Rowden in Loami, Illinois. Pete was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Midway from 1958-1962 as a boilermaker.
Pete had humble beginnings being one of thirteen children. Pete's father was a WWI Purple Heart recipient and died when Pete was a young boy. Times could be challenging in the McCray household because of little money and no father. Pete and his brothers learned to hunt and fish to supply their family table. Pete continued hunting through the years making wonderful memories with his brothers and friends as they set out on adventures to the great Colorado mountains. Pete married the love of his life, Mary A. Standefer in 1963 . They had 53 years of abundant love. Much of their marriage they resided around their home town of Loami, Illinois where most of their family lived within a few short miles. In 1983 the mountains kept calling, and Pete moved his family to Colorado. Over twenty years were spent there enjoying the beauty of God's handywork. Pete was a Christian and attended church at the First United Methodist Church.
Pete had one child, Kimberly S. Peters. In 2006, Pete followed Kimberly and her family to Missouri and helped them operate their cattle ranch. Kimberly and her dad were best friends and fishing buddies. Growing up the extracurricular activity was fishing, and each weekend that's just what they did. The warmth of her dad's presence on the banks of the water sharing great stories and life lessons won't be forgotten.
Pete's greatest achievements were his two grandsons, Riley and Colton Peters of Mountain Home, Arkansas. No greater joy was given to Pete than the love of these two boys. Pete spent a great deal of time in the stands at Bomber sporting events, he was their biggest fan. Pete was proud of both of them and the young men they were becoming.
Pete is survived by his wife, Mary A. McCray of Gainesville, Missouri; his daughter Kimberly S. Peters (Bruce) of Mountain Home, Arkansas and his two grandsons, Riley L. Peters and Colton J. Peters of Mountain Home, Arkansas, several nieces and nephews who he greatly loved; and two sisters Carmen Sporrer and Rosemary Locker of Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lerna McCray, brothers, George, Ed, and Jim, and sisters, Doris, Dolly, Colleen, and Wilma.
Memorial Service will be 6:30 PM, Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Randy Ludwig officiating. Interment will be private. Visit our online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtnhome

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