McCray’s Bar BQ founder celebrated with community barbecue
By Debrah S. Hall
The founder of McCray’s Bar BQ in Riviera Beach was laid to rest Saturday, April 27, 2013.
The 72-year-old was known for his famous barbecue and also his activism in Riviera Beach. Rev. Herman McCray, Jr. was an important local figure in the civil rights movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and had been a driving force in the effort to achieve equal rights for all.
As president of the Youth Recreation Association he helped organize the Young Entrepreneurs, teaching business to students at Suncoast High School.
In celebration of Rev. McCray’s life and legacy there was a community barbecue held following his funeral services.
Over 1,000 family members, friends and community residents attended the event held at the Dan Calloway Recreation Complex to taste what Rev. McCray was mostly known for; his world famous ribs and chicken.
Rev. McCray was an assist-ant pastor at Greater Bethel Primitive Baptist Church in Riviera Beach, a former Riviera Beach City Councilman and former supervisor of Sanitation for the City of Riviera Beach,
Herman McCray’s legacy will always be around. The bridge on Congress Avenue that connects Riviera Beach to West Palm Beach was dedicated to McCray in 2010. The Congress Avenue Bridge wasn’t dedicated for McCray’s tasty ribs, but for his tireless efforts to fight for civil rights. The sign on the bridge reads, “Herman McCray – A True Bridge Builder.” McCray’s Bar B Q is now McCray’s Backyard BBQ and is run by Rev. McCray’s son Derrick McCray.
