Henry McCray was born on March 9, 1928, in Karnack, Harrison County, Texas, to the late Austin McCray, Sr and Agnes Black McCray.

Henry accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Agape Church of Christ in Karnack, Texas. After moving to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Henry became a faithful member of the Church of the Living God under the pastorage of Elder J. C. McCray. Henry later joined Kirkwood Temple C.M.E. Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Christian. Sr., where he loved the Christian worship experience and his church family!

Henry was married to the love of his life, Billie Jean Cole for 62 years until her passing in 2010. Henry and Billie Jean created a loving home in West Dallas for their children, surrounded by a supportive village of family, friends, and neighbors. To their marital union, nine (9) children were born: Patricia Jeanette Holleman (deceased), Henry Earl McCray (deceased), Rose Mary McCray (deceased), Beverly Yvonne McCray, David Wayne McCray, Doris Renel McCray Maloy, Richard Paul McCray, Sr. (deceased), Susan Lynn McCray (deceased) and Reginald Gerard McCray (deceased).

Henry was a family historian and loved to tell many wonderful stories about growing up in East Texas with his family. Henry was preceded in death by his sisters, Catherine Walker, R. V. Taylor, Mae Sue Summerling, Ludether Johnson, Jessie Smith (Clinton), Mary Alice Harris, Josie Mae Gay, Annie Mae Nickerson, and Lula V. Gibson; and brothers, Austin McCray, Jr., Luther McCray, Johnnie McCray, and W. C. McCray.

Everyone who met Henry McCray (fondly known as "Papa") recognized the commitment to his family was the core of his life. His steadfast love and dedication to all instilled the teachings and goodness of Jesus Christ.

Henry "Papa" peacefully drifted into eternal rest in the early morning on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Henry "Papa" leaves to cherish his memories: his children, Beverly Yvonne McCray, David Wayne McCray, and Doris Renel McCray Maloy; his son-in-law and faithful caregiver, Ronny Wayne Maloy; his remaining lovely sister, L. T. Williams "Aunt Marshall"; extended children, Mitchell Harris, Alvin Lee Clark, Jr., LeRosa Harris, and Onita Gardner (deceased), son-in-law, Chester Holleman (deceased); Grandchildren that cherished their Papa, Gregory D. Holleman, Latania Griffin (deceased), Patrice Holleman Bolaji (Stephen), LaHendra J. McCray, Chasity J. Maloy, Corey E. Maloy, Latoya McCray Hernandez (Abel), Christopher G. Maloy (Samantha), Richard Paul McCray, Jr., Jaylen McCray, Christopher Martin, Vincent Coleman, and Jeremy Martin; eight great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends.