Served as the 22nd District Representative of the Mighty 4th District.
This profile brings together milestones from the biographical materials provided for Bro. Rev. DR Mel Kendall McCray.
Born and raised in Cleveland, he graduated from Glenville High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Central State University in 1973 and a Master of Science degree in Corrections and Criminal Justice from Xavier University in 1977. From 1975 to 1980, he served as an investigative and supervising probation officer in the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court system and worked with young people and families through several local human-service organizations.
He began his insurance career with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company in 1981, earning company and industry recognition. In 1990, he joined New York Life Insurance Company, where he built a 25-year record as a Life Council Agent and earned repeated Council recognition. He retired from the insurance industry in 2015 after an approximately 35-year career helping individuals and families plan for financial protection and security.
He served as pastor of Mary B. Wise Memorial Baptist Church from 2003 to 2006. On January 18, 2004, he was installed as pastor; the installation ceremony’s theme was “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). He founded New Beginning Christian Church in 2006, leading its ministry through 2018. He led Cleveland’s Harvard Community Services Center as president from 1998 to 2018 and served as president of its Board of Trustees in 2010. He has served as an exercise instructor at the Zelma Watson George Recreation Center since 2016, supporting mental, physical, and emotional wellness.
Initiated into the Grand and Glorious Eta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on November 21st, 1969, Bro. Rev. DR Mel Kendall McCray received Zeta Omega Chapter’s Omega Man of the Year recognition in 1995. In 1996, he served as the 22nd District Representative (DR) from the Mighty 4th District - representing Ohio and West Virginia on the Supreme Council. His service milestones include 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, 45-, 50-, and 55-year awards, with the 55-year award recorded in 2024.
Years of steady commitment.
Initiated into the Grand and Glorious Eta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on November 21st.
Recognized as Zeta Omega Chapter’s Omega Man of the Year.
Served as the 22nd District Representative (DR) from the Mighty 4th District - representing Ohio and West Virginia on the Supreme Council.
Led Harvard Community Services Center as its president.
Received the 50-Year Service Award, reflected in the photograph.
Received the 55-Year Service Award.
Featured in “Distinguished Men of Zeta Omega: Profiles of Achievement, Leadership, and Service,” in the Zeta Omega Chapter History Archives.