Vernon Eugene McCray

Vernon Eugene (Gene) McCray, 84, of DeLand, FL and previously of Marion, VA, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2015, after a brief illness. Born in Washington County, Virginia on November 27, 1931, Gene was the son of Fletcher and Dessie McCray. He is survived by Freida, his loving wife of 61 years, their son and daughter-in-law Gordon and Coleen McCray of Winston-Salem, NC, sister and brother-in-law Wanda and Gene Taylor of Columbia, SC, and brother- and sister-in-law Don and Barbara Taylor of Marion, VA. In-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces and a nephew added to the rich family tapestry Gene had the privilege of enjoying all his adult life. Gene joined Brunswick Corporation in Marion in 1953. The next twenty years were filled with work, First United Methodist Church in Marion, Jaycees, countless golf outings, Marion Life Saving Crew, and myriad other activities. Life was full and fulfilling. A transfer with Brunswick Corporation took Gene, Freida and Gordon, along with other Marion families, to DeLand, FL in 1973. Gene would complete a nearly 40 year career with the company before retiring in 1993. Gene and Freida remained in DeLand following retirement, and life in Florida was wonderful for 43 years. Though Florida became home, he and Freida returned often to Marion and the mountains of southwest Virginia. Gene also remained very active in business affairs beyond retirement from Brunswick, engaging constantly in business adventures with his stalwart friend and confidant Ed Shelton of Midlothian, VA. Gene was blessed with a large network of family members and close and loyal friends, which he enjoyed immensely. His gentle and giving spirit will be missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held in the mausoleum at Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring, VA, at 1:00pm on Wednesday, December 30, 2015. A reception will immediately follow at 2:00pm in the fellowship hall at First United Methodist Church in Marion where Freida and Gordon look forward to welcoming family and many old and true friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church in Marion, 115 S Church St, Marion, VA, 24354. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, Marion, is serving the McCray family, (276) 783-7107.