of Benton, AR
June 7, 1951 - October 7, 2021
Ishmael (Ish) Edmond McCray III passed away on October 7, 2021 at the age of
70. He was born June 7, 1951 in Little Rock to the late I.E. ''Eddie'' McCray Jr.
and LaNelle (McNeil) McCray.
He was a graduate of Benton High School and attended Arkansas State
University. Known as ''Big Daddy'' to his grandchildren, he was a loving husband,
father, and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Mickey
McCray and cousin, Jack McCray Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Jan McCray; son, Ish McCray IV; two daughters,
Heather York (Paul) and Holly Holt (Billy); three grandchildren, Jaycee and Jarad
York, and William Holt; and two cousins, Kevin McCray and Kristy Tellez.
Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Roller
Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with a graveside service to
follow at Rosemont Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Joe Brumley, Denny
Dyer, Kenny Hall, Chris Moore, Jim Ed Stilwell, and Jeff York.
Sign Guestbook
15 Condolence(s)
keven bryant / jolly road hunting club
Monday, April 25, 2022
just seen this sorry for your lost he was a great man and had a great time with him on the lease
Kerry Brazil
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Just learned of the passing of Ish. We had such fun times playing music together. Condolences to the family. God got a good one. Rest in Love friend. Until we met again - Kerry Brazil
Al Lovell
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
R.I.P. brother, your among great company.
Bob cash
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Great man and friend. Loved music and was great playing the bass guitar. You will be missed
Sean Walker & Niki Huffman
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Jan, Holly, Heather, and Ish,
My heart is broken for you. Ish was a great man and always so fun. I know ya'll will miss him so much. I love you all!
Karen Crowe Stevenson
Monday, October 11, 2021
I have known Ish most of my life! We were classmates. Prayers for his sweet family.
Kenny Hall
Monday, October 11, 2021
Ish , I am going to miss you dearly . We played in bands for many years together . From my high school days to present . You were a great friend and a heck of a bass player . Always in the pocket solid as a rock. Many memories I will cherish until I see you again in GOD's Kingdom . To the Mc Cray family ,I am honored to be one of Ish's Pallbearers.R.I.Paradise my friend . Sad to see you go :(
Amy White
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Sending you all my love, prayers, and condolences. Big Daddy was always so kind to me and any helpers I brought along. I will forever see him on a mower or tractor driving around the McCray Compound doing chores, feeding animals, popping in to care for his family. Sweet sweet man. I know it’s going to leave a void and I’m praying that you all have peace and comfort as you find a way to keep carrying forward. Love you all dearly.
Cathy Dawson
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Praying for your family. He loved his kids and grandkids. Penny as I grew up knowing him was a kind man. Love you Heather & Holly.
Mrs. Dawson
Cathy Robinson Dawson
Debbie Cooper Brumley
Sunday, October 10, 2021
Such a great guy. I would always ask him about Jaycee and Jarad. His eyes would light up every time!! He sure loved his family. Praying for peace, love and comfort for the McCray family.
Chere Willis Turner
Saturday, October 9, 2021
So sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers
Rick L Tedford
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Have known Ish most of my life. One of the good guys. He will be missed. Sorry for your loss,
Bryan Cash
Saturday, October 9, 2021
So sorry to lose a brother musician. You will be missed and in my heart and prayers.
Lois Wilder
Friday, October 8, 2021
So sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers for the family!
Robin & Charlene Jsnes
Friday, October 8, 2021
We were so sad to hear of the passing of Ish. May your wonderful memories carry you as you move forward without him. Prayers of peace & comfort. Condolences to the McCray family.ðŸ™ðŸ¼