Our beloved (GENTLE GIANT ) passed away August 4, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. John was born in 1949 in
Madison, Florida, growing up in a large loving extended family. He was a compassionate, loving and
generous man who laughed and enjoyed life, especially his Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
John is survived by his one true love of 44 years, Judi Richardson, his sister Linda Ann Mc Cray, his
brother, Jack Mc Cray, his son, Norris Cooper and daughter Landra Polk. His step children, Jorge
Pantaleon, Marianne Norris , Bambi Pantaleon, Regina Diaz and Roman Diaz, and his special angel kake
Joy Langston. He leaves to cherish his grandchildren and great grandchildren, His Aunt Mae Royce, and a
multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins. Along with thousands of loving friends.
John was preceded in death by his mother Georgia Mc Cray, his father Leroy Mc Cray and his brother
Gregory (Tuck ) Mc Cray and grandmother Louise Smith., and sister Phyllis Mc Clary.
John’s loving smile will forever remain in our hearts and minds.
At his request there will be no service due to the pandemic of 2020.
77 Comments
Judi Richardson
You were the one true love of my life and this is the most difficult thing to go through life living without you. May you rest in peace .You taught me a lot of things but never taught me how to live without you. Keep a place ready for me right next to you. I needed you but I guess God knew the pain was just too much to bear. I will love you for eternity YOUR “RED”
Marez
We will miss u John 💕
Love your comment Judi 💝
Chris Boza
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a great man and will be missed by all.
Christine Hartman
May you rest in eternal peace John. There is no suffering or cancer in Heaven. Rest easy knowing that Red will be forever surrounded by loved ones until you two are reunited.
Anonymous
We love you and will miss you always 💗 prayers and love to your family.judy we love you and are here for you.john you were a very sweet man and the world lost a beautiful person xoxo 💗
Catie and joey
We love you and will miss you always 💗 prayers and love to your family.judy we love you and are here for you.john you were a very sweet man and the world lost a beautiful person xoxo 💗
Tanya Harper
Sweet John… fly high with the angels! It’s hard to believe you are gone and you will be missed by so many! And I know you are watching over Judi and your family from high above!
Marianne
Gonna miss you pop pop
In brookes voice
Gone way too soon
Thanks for all your love for mom and us
Rest easy now
Nakia McCray
I’m gone miss u 😭 my uncle u and ya sister was taken from me to soon but now u in heaven wit her and she happy so u be happy also ❣️ loves u n gone miss u deeply
Big Nasty
Our deepest condolences during your time of loss. May John look down from Heaven and have the Best seat for Bucs Games! God Bless, Keith, Debbie & Destiny Kunzig
Betty Jo
Rest in Peace John. We will miss you at our gatherings. Judi, I know your loss is great, take 5 minutes at a time. Took me 2 years to walk out of the greiving cloud. Hang in there the emotional pain will ease up eventually. Love & hugs.
Selina Perry
My heart goes out to the family. He will never be forgotten you will see him again much luv to you all.
Buco Pat Dotson
John, you were one of the most genuine people that I have ever met, you had a heart of gold and always showed love to me and Sky. I will always be grateful that you were apart of our lives. I will always cherish the memories we shared brother. RIP Big Man!!! Love ya and miss ya!!!
Cheryl Stewart
I didn’t know you from the beginning but I knew you in the end. Always the two of you, Judi and John. I don’t know how she will do it without you, or how you’ll have to wait for her. May God love and keep you, Big John. You will be missed, in the smallest and biggest ways.
Anonymous
Etnernal rest grant unto John, Oh Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the fa8thful departed…through the mercy of God, rest in peace – AMEN
You will be sadly missed, by so many…..but NEVER forgotten.
Rest in heavenly peace
Sharon Shay
John will truly be missed. He was loved by everyone and was willing to help anyone in need. John never met anyone who didn’t call him friend and he was the most gentlest person you’ll ever meet dispite his size. Judy was his true love and he showed it every time you were in their presence. Rest peaceful my friend .
Tanya and Greg
RIP John
God knows best . You where a true friend and we enjoyed the times we where able to spend with You and Judi just talking and laughing . John you will truly be missed but not forgotten . Until we meet again . RIH .
Nicole
Sending my love to you Judi and your family.
Anonymous
Mrs. Judi I’m so sorry. At our week 1 watch party we will have a moment of silence in his honor. I will be praying for you. God bless.
John Blakey
Mrs. Judi I’m so sorry. At our week 1 watch party we will have a moment of silence in his honor. I will be praying for you. God bless.
Dana Hiers
Words can not express such a loss as this. My dear Brother you will be GREATLY MISSED im going to miss that big smile, your laughter , walking thru my front door saying” Lil Howard what you cooked” and you telling me you want some fresh peas and collard greens and dont forget that fried cornbread LOL. Heaven has gained our Gentle Giant 🕊 fly high my friend youre pain free now. Our Gracious Heavenly Father Loved you more. FOREVER AND ALWAYS IN OUR ❤💙❤💙. MAY YOU RIP Mulleye. Gone to soon 🕊 🕊 🕊 🕊
Steven and Liz Anderson
Just wanted to say John was a great and compassionate man. Showed me and wife Liz a great time I.n Tampa and didn’t even know us . But that’s just what kind of man he was we will truly miss him and our hearts and prayers go to the family .
Love. Steve And Liz Anderson
Dr. Pam Wright & Walt Robinson Sr.
Rest in Heaven John.
Judy & family you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Pam & Walt
Jason Hiers
Fly High Big John you will be greatly missed. Watch over Mrs. Judi 4eva and pleased help guild our Bucs.
Alan and Mai
John was a big man in body and spirit. We will miss him. He was a loving gentle giant who made everyone around him feel good.
Our deepest condolences to Judi.
Art Oropeza
John was one of the most kind and Humble person I have had the privilege to meet. I will forever remember our Conversation. My Family’s thoughts and prayers are with Judi and family. God bless
Kristal Winfrey
Judi I am So sorry for your loss. John was a good man. He will be watching over you and everyone now.
Anonymous
Rest easy Big John. You will be missed by all.
Cheryl Hudson aka Heffer
Well Leroy and Georgia brown eyed baby boy you had to give this heffer a big jolt you did that cuz I’m gonna miss you like no other. I’m goons miss that hey heffer you know nobody could do that but you. Sorry I didn’t get you them greens you left to soon. I can’t stop crying cuz I love you you will always be my big cuz and daddy. When you see Wardell give him a big hug tell Phyllis I love her too. I know you got the whole family there with you. Keep looking down on me because you know I’m truly lost and need your direction. You rest easy and know that I truly love you . Until we see each other. Love you Mullet’s. Your heffer Pookie.
Scott F Dixon
John was a great man and my heart breaks for you Judi as I was proud to have met John and you too Judy! You’re in my thoughts and prayers and may God bless you and get you through this terrible time. RIP John! 🙁
Cheryl Hudson aka Heffer
Well Leroy and Georgia brown eyed baby boy you had to give this heffer a big jolt you did that cuz I’m gonna miss you like no other. I’m goons miss that hey heffer you know nobody could do that but you. Sorry I didn’t get you them greens you left to soon. I can’t stop crying cuz I love you you will always be my big cuz and daddy. When you see Wardell give him a big hug tell Phyllis I love her too. I know you got the whole family there with you. Keep looking down on me because you know I’m truly lost and need your direction. You rest easy and know that I truly love you . Until we see each other. Love you Mullet’s. Your Pookie.
Jorge and Gina Pantaleon
Thank You John For Loving My Mother And Always Bringing Joy To Her Life! I Never Saw Her Smile As Much Until She Met You. You Are Missed And Loved And Always Remembered. May God Bless You With His Eternal Presence! RIP!
Lisa Kovach
. Romans 8:38-39. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Bambi Pantaleon
How do you say goodbye to someone you looked up to as the best Poppa and stepdad you could have been blessed with….he took on a “Big Job” when he fell in love with my Mom….i say this because I am her clone…John loved her the way a man should love a woman he cherrished my mom more than I have ever seen a man cherish their other half. He was kind, understanding, great listener never judged me. Oh how my heart and soul hurts that you are gone but I will not be selfish your now not in pain and suffering. My heart is forever 💔. Thank you for the talk on Saturday I’ll cherish what you said to me for the rest of my life. I love you and will miss you forever Duces loves you poppa.
Donna Camacho
We will miss you terribly Big John. David always loved his Big Poppa. I will make sure he has you in his memories. Rest in Heaven big man. I will always be there for Judi. You guys have always looked out for me and the boys. Now it’s time to return the kindness and generosity that you and Judi have shown us. We love and miss you.
Joy langston
Oh mullet eye . this is your kake 😭😭speaking i miss you so much and im hurting but i know your not and thats all that matters. You brought life to everyone you came in contact with and for that we will cherish it and never forget . i miss u so much and ill never let my memories fade . ur amazing and we well shit i miss u soooo much . i needs one more phone call one more something idk i just miss u . i will see u soon
Regina Smith- Holmes
To my favorite cousin ❤ you will truly be missed. I didn’t see you often but, when I got the chance to see you I would run and jump in your arms. I’m gonna miss that cause you always caught me. RIH my love 💓 and tell my lil lo-lo I said hello. Love Gina
Shawnesia Bryant
I don’t even know what to say! I’m going to miss seeing your face in the Press Box! You were one cool dude!! Rest easy suga!! Fly high & keep firing drm cannons!!
Nancy PerkyBuc Perkins
There are no words that can be said that will help. I always looked forward to seeing Judy and John at anything Bucs related. The smile and the warmth just reached out in such a welcoming manner. You will be missed! God Bless!
RED
MY OWN TRUE LOVE, . FROM THE FIRST TIME WE MET YOU SAID YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH MY BLUE EYES AND RED HAIR. AND IT WAS MAGIC FOR MANY YEARS, THEN LIFE HAPPENED AND WE FELL APART BUT AFTER 30 YEARS APART WE FOUND EACH OTHER AGAIN AND SWORE THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. WELL, LOVE YOU GAVE ME ANOTHER WONDERFUL 10 YEARS OF LOVE AND DEVOTION, WHICH I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR. I NEVER HAD THAT KIND OF LOVE FROM ANYONE IN MY LIFE. I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I GO FROM HERE BECAUSE WITHOUT YOU IS REALLY HARD TO ACCEPT. BUT SINCE THE LORD SAW YOUR PAIN WAS SO SEVERE, IT WAS TIME FOR YOU TO RETURN HOME, SO I HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER SUFFERING.AND FOR THAT I AM HAPPY. JUST KNOW I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN IF I GET MY WAY AND USUALLY I DO, SO REST COMFORTABLE TILL THEN AND ALWAYS KNOW THERE WAS NO LOVE GREATER THAN THE ONE WE SHARED. YOUR “RED” WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR “RED”
Jackie Williams
John I will miss seeing you and chatting with you. You were always a genuine wonderful man. I will miss your sweet hugs and kind words. I will miss your adoring glances at Judi every time she spoke. Your love for each other was one to be envied and appreciated. Judi my heart breaks for this huge loss but John will always be watching over you and loving you from afar. I hope you are able to find peace in al of your wonderful memories and years with John. May he Rest In Peace.
Leona
Eternal rest grant onto Jihn, Oh Lord….and let perpetual light shine upin him. May John’s soul…and the souls of all the faithful departed, R3st In Peace
-Amen
Gone but NEVER forgotten
Leona
Etnernal rest grant unto John, Oh Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the fa8thful departed…through the mercy of God, rest in peace – AMEN
You will be sadly missed, by so many…..but NEVER forgotten.
Rest in heavenly peace
Leona
Etnernal rest grant unto John, Oh Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed…through the mercy of God, rest in peace – AMEN
You will be sadly missed, by so many…..but NEVER forgotten.
Rest in heavenly peace
Judi Richardson
Forever in my heart. Rest in peace my love. No more pain.
Yours through eternity
RED
Debbie
Judi so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing you with John at the press box. A lot of good memories there John was a gentle giant such a great man always friendly always had a nice word to say you two were a great couple. True love for sure. May John rest in peace. I know he’ll be looking down at you and protecting and watching over you. He was a good man. I hope you find comfort in all your memories you had with John. So sorry for your loss
Anonymous
It was only recently that John and Judi came into my life. John saw me at my worst and never judged. My son has memories of you and the Bucs games and this is so surreal. A few months ago we were just talking and laughing. Thank you for being real and giving me the advice like you did. You will be missed
Love Liz
John may you rest in peace now that you are out of pain and may you watch over us now and watch OUR BUCS WIN! You will be missed immensely! My dear friend Judy I am here for you whenever you need me don’t hesitate to call I love you!❤️
Jamal "JayBuc@
John! I’m heartbroken.
Jamal JayBuc Sanders
I’m so heartbroken! John I’m going to miss you so much. This city won’t be the same without you! Rest In Paradise my friend. When you finally meet the football Gods I’m sure you will put in a good word for our Bucs! Love You John #RestInPower
Jamal Sanders
I’m so heartbroken! John I’m going to miss you so much. This city won’t be the same without you! Rest In Paradise my friend. When you finally meet the football Gods I’m sure you will put in a good word for our Bucs! Love You John #RestInPower
Wilemena Cloud,Norris Cooper jr, Tyler Cloud
You will be truly miss you was always amazing thru good and bad with your grandkids Norris Cooper Jr and Tyler Cloud thank you for always being there even if it was a phone call my Condolences Mrs. Judy we are always here.
Wilemena Cloud
Mullet-eye-Aka Dad You will be truly miss thank you for being amazing grandfather thru good and bad with Norris Cooper jr and Tyler Cloud.Mrs Judy my Condolences.
Pamela Kaufman
Big John…you will be missed at all future games and outings. Sorry for all your suffering, but you are in God’s hands now. Until we meet again….
Charles Jackson
My sincerest condolences, John will truly be missed, his smile lit up the room. Sending prayers of comfort to the family. Much love Charles
Christoffer
Dear John I miss you so much. I’m heartbroken. You always made me feel happy. I know you are in a better place and not hurting anymore. Rest in Heaven.
Terald Hopkins
What an awesome man! John was a true class act. He always went out of his way to say Hi. He and Judi would light up any room they were in. I am honored to call him a friend. Rest In Peace John and say Hi to my Dad when you get there. You will be sorely missed.
Shaquail
If I Knew Your Days Here Was Going To End So Soon ,I Would Have Made It My Busniess To Talk To You Everyday & Not Just When We Had Family Functions 😩.Your Gone Way To Soon And It Isn’t Fair .i Cant Question God But I Would Like To Know Why ? I Won’t Say Cancer Beat You,Because You Kicked Cancers Butt .You Can Now Rest Peacefully & Not Be In Anymore Pain .You May Be Gone Physically But Your Spirit Always & Forever Will Be With Us 💙.We Love You Uncle MullEye Take Your Rest King 😇.
Amber
Well Mr. John as I write this I am sad .. We miss you at dinner .. And I miss seeing your cadillac in the front row.. I would always try to beat you to dinner(lol never worked out) 😁😁.. Well , I didn’t know you for that long but in this short period of 5months I just wish I could have more time. You have brought me great laughter and great advise when it came to your KAKE. I wish I could create more great times with you but God had another plan.. He needed you more than we did and for that I understand. You were a great man and I will always remember you and the funny momenys . May you rest in heaven and watch over us 🤞🤞.
Anonymous
Condolences to you Juady and his entire family, So Sorry for your loss. May God Blessings be upon all. Love Flo
Florasteen Yeldon
Condolences to you Judy and his entire family, So Sorry for your loss. May God Blessings be upon all. Love Flo
Lindamccray64@gmail.com
My oldest brother now that you are gone
My heart aches in sadness as secret tears still flow.
What it means to lose you no one will ever know.
TIME SPENT AS BROTHER AND SISTER WAS A BLESSING
YOUR MEMORY A TRESURE
YOU ARE LOVED BEYOND WORDS
AND MISSED BEYOND MEASURE
Eternal Love
your sister Linda Ann McCray aka pig aka fats
Anonymous
Mullet eye all the memories we shared from when we were little boys to men will fill my heart with happiness and joy.
There’s no doubt you will be thought about but so hard to be without.
I thank God he made you my brother
Rest in peace
your baby brother Bird
Jack McCray
Anonymous
thought of you today
but that’s nothing new
I thought of you yesterday and days before that to
I think of you in silence
I often speak your name
All I have is your picture in a frame
Your memory is a keepsake which will never part
for I will always have you in my heart
REST IN PEACE BIG CUZ
Love your lil cousin Sonia
The other “RED”
Anora
We miss you
Mae Royce Smith-Gibson
John Lee my nephew and buddy my memories of you, us and family is what I will hold onto and allow them to bring a smile to my face and heart
I’m going to miss you
Rest in peace
Love 💓 your aunt
Mae Royce Smith-Gibson
Bird(Jack McCray)
I Mullet eye I am missing you already
Rest in peace brother
The other "Red" Sonia Gerald-Holland
Mullet eye the memories of you will bring a smile to my ❤️
Like the time as a little girl I hid in the car on you and Linda Ann or the time I was babysitting Buck and Norris you always seem to remember events. You will be truly missed
Your Lil cousin the other “Red” Sonia
Linda Ann McCray
Silent thoughts
Quiet prayers
For my a special person in God’s care
Rest in peace brother
Love your sister 💕
Pig/Fats
Jo-Jo & Maria McCray
Uncle John Lee aka mulleye
All the time spent together brought us Love. Laughter.and Happy times past
but memories of you will FOREVER LAST
Rest in peace UNC
Love Jo-Jo & Maria McCray
Jo-Jo McCray
John Lee
Of all the many blessings
however great or small
to have had you for a Uncle
was one of the greatest ones of all
My world is a little darker now that were apart
but the memories are shining brightly within my heart
I am going to miss you in my life
however your memories will help me be alright
Love your nephew
JO-jo aka fathead
Maria & Jo-Jo McCray
uncle in-law you will be truly missed by me and your oldest nephew, aka fat head. Will miss the times we used to hangout with you and Judy. You fought the good fight but Jehovah new best for you and now your in no more pain, rest until we see you again. RIP “Mullet Eye”.
Judi Richardson Mc Cray
I love and miss you soooo much. This is the worst thing I have ever been through. I cant wait to reunite with you. You are home now with me where you belong
Never leaving without you
Following your wishes . Forever. RED
Liza
John. You will be missed so much. Every one looked up to you for guidance and advice. We were so happy around you and Judi and adored the way you treated her and the deep love you both had for each other. I never saw two people more in love and devoted to each other. Prayers to you Judi. We are here if you need us. We are so hurt with the news of John passing. The world lost an amazing man. Rest easy JLM
Liza
John. You will be missed so much. Every one looked up to you for guidance and advice. We were so happy around you and Judi and adored the way you treated her and the deep love you both had for each other. I never saw two people more in love and devoted to each other. Prayers to you Judi. We are here if you need us. We are so hurt with the news of John passing. The world lost an amazing man. Rest easy JLM. My friend
Anora
John. I still cannot believe you are gone. We miss you at work so much. We try to talk to Judi but she is so upset and depressed. You were such a great couple. All you talked about was your “RED” she was the bright light in your life
You wanted everything for her. You said no matter what she was your life and without her you were nothing. I remember when you said if anything ever happened to you she would get everything. She already had everything. She had you. It is so sad that she must go on without you. The two of you were the best. True true love. So sad. Miss you so much. She is really hurting
We try to help but we understand. Love you big guy. R I P
Nancy
John. Still cant believe you are gone. All our rides together at work and the stories you told of you and red and how much you loved her are buried deep within me. I feel so bad for her and miss you so much. She was very lucky to have a man so deeply in love with her. I am here for her if she needs me. How you said you lived to make her happy and how everything you had was hers no matter what. That kind of love is hard to find. So sad that you are gone. Prayers to Your Red and your family.