Carey Joseph McCray

Carey “CJ” McCray, a gift of life and love, was born to Connie Ranaldson and Ronnie Eiland on March 10th, 1974, in Columbus, Ohio--a birthday shared with his maternal great-grandmother. From day one, everyone knew he was special. He was an athlete at birth, impressing the NICU nurses with his agility and quickness, turning himself from side to side at less than 12 hours old! As Carey grew, so did his potential and his future seemed bright. He attended Mifflin High School, where he excelled in both academics and sports. He thrived in his pursuit for knowledge from a very young age as demonstrated in his love for books. He was an avid reader made evident in his uncanny ability to engage in deep discussions with anyone on practically any subject--from the simplest to the most complex of concepts. As a student-athlete, Carey was just as passionate about sports as he was with his academia. He was a member of both the Mifflin High School football and track teams. His Mifflin Punchers track team even won the city championship in 1991. After graduating from Mifflin, Carey attended Alabama State University for one year then enlisted in the Navy. He loved the time he spent in the military—the ships and his shipmates, the water, the travel, the responsibility, the honor, the service. During this time in the Navy, he welcomed two other loves in this life, his two sons, Carey Jr. and Aaron. After leaving the Navy, Carey engaged in different opportunities, but it was during his profession as a flight attendant, that he met the next love of his life, Rachel Harris. They married March 23, 2002 and had been inseparable up until his passing. After Rachel completed her residency, they moved to Florida, where Carey went back to college. He completed his Associates degree at the University of South Florida and went on to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Florida State University. After graduation, Carey became a fifth-generation educator. His first teaching position was in Clearwater, Florida which is significant as this is the high school his maternal grandmother began her teaching career. His final assignment would be with His beloved John I. Leonard High School where he served as a teacher in the Social Sciences Department as well as coach. Over the years, he continued his legacy as a teacher and coach. He had a love for travel (well known for his love of everything Chicago) and his talent with music (most specifically house music and hip hop music). And no one who knows him can forget his unshakeable devotion to his Florida State Seminoles. Carey Joseph McCray was a blessing to all he encountered. He was loved by all who knew him. He will be missed but not forgotten. He was preceded in death by his father Ronald Eiland. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Rachel McCray; two sons, Carey Jr. and Aaron; one grand daughter Willow; his mother Connie Ranaldson; brothers Courtland, Austin, Ronnie Jr, and Shawn; sisters April, Lisa, and Robin; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Carey Joseph McCray Funeral Service

Time: Nov 10, 2021 05:50 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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