Robert "Bob" Galen McCray

Robert "Bob" Galen McCray, 87, passed away of Alzheimer's disease at 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on July 2, 1931, to the late Galen and Geraldine McCray.

Bob grew up and lived in South Bend, Indiana for his entire life. He graduated from Central High School where he played baseball. He was also a Korean War veteran. He retired from the South Bend Tribune after 42 years, where he was a Printer/ Composer and served as an officer in the Printers and Typographical Union.

Bob treasured spending time with family. This was the foundation of his loving, kindhearted and generous spirit. He was a selfless individual who helped his children, grandchildren and anyone else who asked for assistance. Whether it was financial help, assisting with home repairs, helping someone who needed advice, babysitting or anything else, Bob was always there.

With seven children, Bob was involved in many of their sporting events. As either a baseball commissioner at the old Northside Little League or as an attendee at many football, basketball or baseball games, he was in the stands cheering.

While working two jobs to support his family, Bob still made time to entertain his family. He was the person who read the poem Little Orphan Annie to us and the neighborhood children on hot summer nights; the person who stayed up on Christmas Day until 3 a.m. assembling bicycles; and the one who crammed seven children and two adults into a station wagon most summer weekend nights so we could all go to the outdoor movie theater.

As much as he loved his children, the biggest love in his life was his wife, Maxine, who passed away in 2015. Together they went to their children's sporting events and saw countless Broadway plays in Chicago and Toronto. Bob had a passion for the family pets, loved to read and enjoyed watching movies. He also enjoyed helping his wife prepare meals, in particular his famous chili and vegetable soup that was enjoyed by the entire family.

Bob's life was hard the last few years. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease that clouds a person's memory, and in the end, robs a person of their quality of life. However, his caring nature and sense of humor will continue to be an inspiration to many. The family would like to thank our brother, Jim, who patiently and lovingly cared for Bob in the last year of his life.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Cathy (Barry) Schiff of South Bend; and six sons, Mike (Pam) McCray of San Antonio, Texas, Chris McCray of Jupiter, Florida, Jim (Anita) McCray of Zionsville, Indiana, Jon McCray of Noblesville, Indiana, Pat (Robin) McCray of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Kevin (Laura) McCray of Novi, Michigan.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelly (Sean) Hogan, Kristy (Chris) Smith, Leah (Matthew) Crews, Lindsay (Enrico) Attanasio, Abby (Dustin) Seaman, Elisabeth McCray, Mitchell McCray, Laura Manuel, Joseph Manuel, Megan Manuel, Jonathon (Whitney) McCray, Brooke McCray, Brittany (Mike) Hedman, Matthew (Lindsey) McCray, Morgan McCray, Timothy McCray, Daniel McCray, and Jourdan Ringenberg. His precious great-grandchildren who survive are Karly, Keegan, Max, Elena, Logan, Ava, Madison, Payton, Lilly, Austin, Hailey and Avery. Bob also leaves behind a sister, Karla (John) Lawton of Hancock, Michigan.

Funeral services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Milton Adult Day Services, 922 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46617.