Thomas Edward Cray

In the grand tournament of life, Thomas "Tom" Cray finished his final round at the age of 83. Born on February 10, 1943, in the bustling town of McKeesport, PA, Tom lost a long and valiant battle with vascular dementia on March 14, 2026.

Tom was a man who believed in the power of a perfect swing and the thrill of a Steelers game. As an excise tax lawyer for Gulf Oil and later Chevron, he proved that even the most complex calculations couldn't keep him from his true passion: perfecting his golf game. Whether volunteering at golf tournaments or cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, Tom lived life with a twinkle in his eye and a quick wit.

A proud veteran who served in the Army, Tom was never one to shy away from a challenge. He juggled law school while working full-time at Gulf Oil and welcoming his daughter into the world. Not one to rest on his laurels, he later pursued an MBA while continuing his career at Chevron, proving that learning truly is a lifelong adventure.

Tom was preceded in death by Mary Ann Cray, his high school sweetheart and wife since 1967, his sister Janice McGinn-Byars, his sister-in-law Elaine Cray, and his lovely parents, Thomas and Ida Cray. Though they left the party early, Tom never failed to toast to their memory.

Carrying on his legacy is his only daughter, Jennifer, who, while never mastering her golf swing, still inherited his sense of humor; his sisters Nancy Flynn and Kathleen Klecker; and his little brother John Cray. Each of them holds a piece of his heart and countless memories as vibrant as a well-manicured fairway.

Tom Cray lived life like a well-played round of golf—full of challenges, laughter, and a few wild swings. His humor, warmth, and wisdom will be missed by all who were lucky enough to share the course with him. Rest assured, he's now found the ultimate 19th hole, where the greens are always perfect, and every drive lands right on the fairway.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight .
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
~Clare Harner