Rodney H. McCray, 63, lifelong resident of Arcadia, Florida passed away October 2, 2012. Rodney was born May 16, 1949 to the late, Henry and Norma Carver McCray. He didn't have the easiest of childhoods, but found peace and security within the home of Juril and Madelon Mansfield. Although he admits to not being the best of students, he graduated from DeSoto High. He grew up exposed to DeSoto County's cowboys and ranchers and embraced the cowboy way of life, even riding bulls along the way. Rodney took from experience and learned from example what it meant to be a genteleman. Rodney's enlistment in the Army landed him two tours, active duty in Vietnam. A time of his life he was neither proud, nor ashamed of. His tour of duty earned him a Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation medal, Combat Infantry Man Badge, Drill Sargeant Crest, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Ribbon and a National Defense Service Ribbon. Rodney retired as a working foreman for FPL after 24 years of employment. When asked what he was most proud of in his life, his answer was clear and simple. His family. His undying love for his soulmate and wife of 38 years, Debbie, his sons, Matthew and Samuel and their families. Rodney was a proud provider, a man of his word, a loving grandpa and a friend to so many. Rodney enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandchildren, sharing stories and telling jokes. He was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans Association, VFW, DeSoto County Historical Society, the voice of Bulldogs football, 32nd degree Mason/ Worshipful Master and a musician. Rodney is survived by his beloved wife, Debra McCray, of Arcadia, sons; Matthew (Christina) McCray, Samuel (Stacey) McCray, of Arcadia, brother, Dale (Shirley) McCray, of Winter Haven, Florida, stepbrother, Buddy (Sandy) Mansfield, of Arcadia, step parents, Juril and Madelon Mansfield, of Arcadia, and grandchildren, Sierra, Skyler, Sage, Lauren, Olivia and Riley. He was preceded in death by Norma and Henry McCray, brother, Henry McCray, sisters; Norma Jean and Carolyn McCray, Sheila Valverda, and stepsister, Linda Mansfield. A visitation will be held at Ponger~Kays~Grady Funeral Home, Arcadia, Friday, October 5, 2012 from 6-8 pm, Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 10:00 am, followed by burial at Joshua Creek Cemetery. Online Condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com