Long time minister and former Lafayette County Sheriff Bobby McCray passed away on Feb. 24, after a brief illness. The 72-year-old McCray was considered to be one of North Florida’s most treasured members of the community and touched many lives. He was a neighbor, a mentor, and a friend to those who knew him.

A native and lifelong resident of Lafayette County, McCray enjoyed 42 years in the ministry and delivered his last sermon at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church on the morning of Feb. 19.

Mostly referred to as Brother Bobby, McCray was well known throughout Lafayette and Suwannee counties as a humble man of God. The tall, robust McCray’s tender nature and contagious smile enhanced his ability to bring calm to those around him. His distinctive voice and charisma from the pulpit was entrancing for those in his congregation and he always offered a kind word of encouragement to those he encountered.

With a gentle demeanor that was embraced by everyone who met him, Brother Bobby epitomized the term southern gentleman. A veteran of the United States Army, McCray served during the Korean Conflict before launching a career in law enforcement. As sheriff of Lafayette County, McCray maintained a soothing disposition and small town values.

“His many years of service through law enforcement and the ministry have certainly been appreciated and valued,” Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb said. “He will be greatly missed.”

Before retiring from public work, McCray was employed with the Suwannee River Economic Council as a housing estimator for about 16 years.

In addition to being a member of the Mayo Masonic Lodge #119, McCray was a member of the American Legion. He had an inborn fondness for farming and agriculture, but his greatest love was for the Lord, his family and his church.

“His church family really loved him and he loved them,” Suwannee Baptist Association Administrative Assistant Wynema Pickles said of McCray. “During the entire time Brother Bobby was in the hospital in Gainesville, somebody from the church was there.”

Pickles explained that any time a church loses a pastor to death it is really sad and difficult for the congregation. She stressed the importance of prayer and support at this time for McCray’s family and church family.

According to Pickles, McCray was very active with the Suwannee Baptist Association, where he served on the Board for the Middle Florida Baptist Assembly Grounds at Picket Lake.

McCray is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marion Crews McCray, two sons Robert (Angie) and Patrick (Christy), four grandchildren, two brothers, Cooter (Betty) and Edward (Kathy).

Services were held for McCray at Airline Baptist Church on Monday.