SPENCERVILLE — Thomas Jefferson McCray, 91, of Spencerville, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018 in his residence at 3:22 PM.

He was born July 4, 1926 in Spencerville, Ohio the son of the late Leon S. and Adda L. Metzger McCray. He said he was lucky because the whole country celebrated his July 4th birthday with fireworks and parades.. On June 1, 1951 he married Mary L. Gribler of Van Wert, Ohio, and she survives.

Tom started work for his father at McCray Garage in 1931. The privately owned automotive repair business was the Oldsmobile Dealership in Spencerville from 1938 until 1970. He retired in 2010 and closed the family owned garage after 79 years.

He was a 1944 graduate of Spencerville High School and joined the Ohio National Guard. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army in WW II in the European Theatre from 1945 thru 1946.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, VFW Post 6772, Northwest Ohio Field and Stream Assn. and Acadia Lodge # 306, F. & A. M., all of Spencerville.

Surviving in addition to his wife Mary are their children; Susan (Todd) Spicer; LuAnn (Mark) Youngpeter; David (Lynn) McCray and Ron (Jill) McCray. Grandchildren; LeAndra Spicer, Laura (Andrew) Burbacher, Janelle Schroeder, Jeffery Youngpeter, Katie McCray, Shaylin McCray and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister Phyllis McCray, a granddaughter and great granddaughter.

Per his request, only graveside services will be held. They are scheduled for Monday, June 11, 2018 at 11 AM in the Spencerville Cemetery with Paster John Medaugh officiating. Military rites will be conducted following the service by the Army Honor Guard and the Spencerville Veterans.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Spencerville Swimming Pool Funding Commitee in care of the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com