See letter to the editor, Page 5
As investigators pursue leads into the death of Leroy McCray, family and friends are expressing shock and sadness over the loss of the 68-year-old McComb man known for his generosity and work ethic.
Many who knew McCray have taken to social media or have discussed details of the man they sorely miss in random moments throughout the week, all over the county.
McCray had been reported missing this past weekend. On Tuesday, he was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound on a remote Pike County road a stone’s throw across the state line. His burned minivan was parked about 40 yards away.
Family members told authorities that McCray was last seen Saturday at the Marathon convenience at the intersection of South Broadway and Presley Boulevard in McComb, where he was a regular and enjoyed talking with friends.
Investigators said Thursday they were pursuing leads but did not offer any specifics. They have requested video surveillance from another Marathon store on Highway 24, where McCray, who lived on Gradyville Road, was a frequent customer, a store employee said.
McCray had been the victim of another violent attack nearly a yar ago. On Feb. 16, 2014, he was stabbed in the left shoulder with a knife, McComb Detective Joshua Brown said.
According to the report, his assailant walked up to McCray and stabbed him after a verbal altercation. McCray told police he did not know who it was.
Angela Ashley of McComb said she has known Mr. McCray for more than 25 years, ever since she was a young girl.
Ashley, who owns Angie’s Beauty Salon on Canal Street, said McCray came in often to the shop and visited on Saturday.
“He would wash my car, help with my kids. He bought them gifts and toys. He was just a very generous, nice man,” she said.
Ashley described Mr. McCray as a workaholic.
“He was the hardest-working man I knew. He worked all the time, all day long. That’s all you would see him do. And he helped everyone,” Ashley said.
Mr. McCray worked at the Days Inn of McComb as a banquet waiter, but he also was involved with catering and other hotel duties.
He volunteered last week as a sous chef for Paul Brock of Chef’s Delight at Shuffle to the Chefs, a fundraising culinary event to aid St. Andrew’s Mission.
“He never met a stranger. Everyone loved him,” Days Inn front desk manager Jaynica Nezels said.
But job duties at the hotel were not the only work he did. Those who knew him well said McCray washed cars, mowed lawns and just about anything else. On some occasions, he would refuse to take money for the services he provided.
McCray regularly washed and detailed Tillman Furniture store manager Pam Raiford’s car, and she said many in the community knew him this way.
“I knew Leroy very well. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. It was absolutely heartbreaking, It’s very sad,” Raiford said as she fought back tears. “He was a good Christian man that talked about his family all the time,” she said.
McCray was known to carry around a lot of cash, multiple sources said, speculating that may have led to his death.
“We’re talking $500 to $1,500 at all times, not a little bit,” said a former co-worker of McCray’s who asked not to be identified. “And people knew that. I have a feeling someone knew this and may have lured him to where he was found.”
Funeral arrangements for Mr. McCray being handled by People’s Undertaking Company of McComb.
Since McCray’s body was found, there have been a flood of personal anecdotes posted to social media in response to his death.
• Brenda Bass: “We Will miss running into Leroy. I saw him just a couple of weeks ago at the bank and his last words to me were, ‘Now you be careful out there ( he knew I was a paper carrier) cause they some crazy people in this world. I just saw where a man tried to rob an elderly couple out trying to deliver (their) papers in Jackson with a shotgun, so you be careful and take care of yourself.’... My heart is sad. Rest In Peace, Mr. Leroy. You will be missed. Prayers to his family and very long list of friends!”
• Emily Norwood: “I’m going to miss him. He always hugged me no matter where I was at. He would say ‘Hey Miss Em. How are you doing? Then he would tell me about what he has done or going to do.”
• Jennifer Givens: “He was such a sweet man. He always wanted to give my three girls money and wanted to bring them clothes and toys. Such a sad thing! R.I.P. Mr. Leroy!
• Darald April Boyd: “Prayers to his family. Mr Leroy was such a nice guy and was just the sweetest man ever! Always willing to help others! R.I.P.
• Katherine Quin: “He had a heart of gold and trusted everyone. Please do not let the ball be dropped by the justice system in finding out how this sweet man was taken from us.”According to the report, his assailant walked up to McCray and stabbed him after they got into an argument.
Alfred Lee Grayson, 28, 405 Beech St., McComb, was indicted for aggravated assault in that case and has pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled to go on trial on Feb. 5, District Attorney Dee Bates said Thursday.
Sheriff’s department officials said Grayson was in jail when McCray died, and they do not consider him a suspect.
Angela Ashley of McComb said she has known McCray for more than 25 years, ever since she was a young girl.
Ashley, who owns Angie’s Beauty Salon on Canal Street, said McCray came in often to the shop and visited on Saturday.
“He would wash my car, help with my kids. He bought them gifts and toys. He was just a very generous, nice man,” she said.
Ashley described McCray as a workaholic.
“He was the hardest-working man I knew. He worked all the time, all day long. That’s all you would see him do. And he helped everyone,” Ashley said.
McCray worked at the Days Inn of McComb as a banquet waiter, but he also was involved with catering and other hotel duties.
He volunteered last week as a sous chef for Paul Brock of Chef’s Delight at Shuffle to the Chefs, a fundraising culinary event to aid St. Andrew’s Mission.
“He never met a stranger. Everyone loved him,” Days Inn front desk manager Jaynica Nezels said.
But job duties at the hotel were not the only work he did. Those who knew him well said McCray washed cars, mowed lawns and did just about anything else. On some occasions, he would refuse to take money for the services he provided.
McCray regularly washed and detailed Tillman Furniture store manager Pam Raiford’s car, and she said many in the community knew him this way.
“I knew Leroy very well. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. It was absolutely heartbreaking, It’s very sad,” Raiford said as she fought back tears. “He was a good Christian man that talked about his family all the time.”
McCray was known to carry around a lot of cash, multiple sources said, speculating that may have led to his death.
“We’re talking $500 to $1,500 at all times, not a little bit,” said a former co-worker of McCray’s who asked not to be identified. “And people knew that. I have a feeling someone knew this and may have lured him to where he was found.”
Funeral arrangements for McCray being handled by People’s Undertaking Co. of McComb.
Since McCray’s body was found, there have been a flood of personal anecdotes posted to social media in response to his death.
• Brenda Bass: “We will miss running into Leroy. I saw him just a couple of weeks ago at the bank and his last words to me were, ‘Now you be careful out there ( he knew I was a paper carrier) cause they some crazy people in this world. I just saw where a man tried to rob an elderly couple out trying to deliver (their) papers in Jackson with a shotgun, so you be careful and take care of yourself.’... My heart is sad. Rest In Peace, Mr. Leroy. You will be missed. Prayers to his family and very long list of friends!”
• Emily Norwood: “I’m going to miss him. He always hugged me no matter where I was at. He would say ‘Hey Miss Em. How are you doing?’ Then he would tell me about what he has done or going to do.”
• Jennifer Givens: “He was such a sweet man. He always wanted to give my three girls money and wanted to bring them clothes and toys. Such a sad thing! R.I.P. Mr. Leroy!
• April Boyd: “Prayers to his family. Mr. Leroy was such a nice guy and was just the sweetest man ever! Always willing to help others! R.I.P.”
• Katherine Quin: “He had a heart of gold and trusted everyone. Please do not let the ball be dropped by the justice system in finding out how this sweet man was taken from us.”
