Tommy McCray, who went by "Weekender" here on the H.A.M.B., is expected to pass on tonight. His son Timmy called me earlier this evening and said they had taken Tommy off of life support a few hours ago. Tommy was well known and well traveled within the "Rodding" hobby. After being diagnosed with Cancer and given 1-2 years to live, he took an early retirement and made the best of the time he had left. That was 16 years ago. Many of you will remember him from the H.A.M.B. Drags. He took that yellow Henry J of his to Shows, Cruises, and Dragstrips all over the Midwest and went out of his way to try and meet as many of his fellow Rodders as he possibly could. He held an AHRA National Record in '65 and '66 with that car and it has been raced and driven on the street continously since then. Tommy inspired a lot of people over the years, between that car and his personality. Many people, including myself, got the rodding "Bug" from being around him. Tommy has been reading the H.A.M.B. religously for years, although he never posted much. Like so many other Rodders his age, he didn't get along well with keyboards. Timmy asked me to post this as an Obituary of sorts, here on the H.A.M.B., because many of Tommy's friends read and post here. Timmy thought it would be more fitting for them to read it here first, rather than the newspapers. I agree.
Man, that ruined my night. I like that guy. I borrowed tools from him the second HAMB drags, when he was parked next to us. He never got excited about anything. Please send my condolences to his family.
The only thing that's certain is that we'll all expire. But the memories will keep us alive forever. Remember.
My prayers go out to him....also I found this http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=587212#post587212
Cancer is a bitch, sounds like he kicked it's ass for 16 good years. Prayers for him and his family on the way.
Oh man. I had just talked to Tommy not all that long ago through email. I had no idea... I'm at a loss of words. Is there an address for flowers?
I remember him well from the HAMB Drags. He is a GREAT guy. We talked abit at the 2nd HAMB Drags about his buddy in the blue HenryJ that died shortly after the first HAMB Drags. He shared some memories and photos of his dear friend with me. Both guys will be sorely missed. Knowing that they will be racing their HenryJ's in hot rod heaven together makes this news alittle easier to digest. My thoughts, prayers and condolences to all his family and friends.
I just read His intro, Maybe someone could post a link to it. Its a great thing this Hamb, with the power of friendship it brings. Rest in piece My Friend. FEDER
I haven't heard yet Ryan. I will post again as soon as I get more information. Atch or Weeds may hear before I do. Tommy's son did ask that any of the local guys that plan on attending the funeral do so in their Rods, if possible. I think he intends on getting the Henry J out and driving it in the Funeral procession.
at a loss for words!....I hate reading about these kind of things... My prayers are with his family....
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