Leonard coach, teacher dies at 48

John I. Leonard flag football coach Carey McCray died Monday at the age of 48, school athletic director Jim Howell said.

McCray, who taught at John I. Leonard for six years, had previously worked as an assistant football coach for the Lancers.

“He poured his all into his students both in the classroom and on the athletic field ,” John I. Leonard athletic director Jim Howell said of the social studies teacher. “He was extremely influential, impactful and positive to not only our students but everyone he came in contact with. Coach McCray was liked and respected by his students and colleagues. He was a valued member of the Lancer team and will truly be missed.”

Howell said McCray died from complications from a medical procedure.

“He cared so much about the kids, and he worked so well with the other coaches,” Howell said. “He was a team player, really was in coaching for the right reasons. His priority was the kids.”

Howell described McCray as a caring teacher and coach who was deeply involved in the Lancers’ athletic programs, even the ones he didn’t personally coach.

“One thing that coach McCray was always at other athletic events, supporting the kids,” Howell said. “He was always such a pleasant [person]. Never lost his composure with the kids. He was just a good person all the way around.”

John I. Leonard football coach Austin Van Es only knew McCray for a few months, but he already saw his impact on the school and its community.

“He seemed to be a pretty big part of the community,” Van Es said. “He was always supportive of all his kids, athletes, non-athletes, students all loved him. They kind of looked at him like a mentor . ... All the kids who I’ve had that had him, they always said how much of a wonderful teacher he was, how much they loved his class.”

McCray’s final season at John I. Leonard ended with the Lancers going 8-7. Howell said McCray was in touch with his players right up until his death.

“He really cared,” Howell said. “Like last week, he was texting them when he was home after the surgery, and he’s texting them, ‘Are you keeping up with your grades? How did you do on the math test?’ Still involved with the girls and making sure they’re staying on task in the classroom. You don’t see that type of commitment and dedication.”

John I. Leonard assistant principal Jenalee Hess said on Twitter that the school would have grief counselors on campus Tuesday.

“Carey touched the lives of countless students and staff members over his tenure,” she said. “If you are struggling or know someone who is, we will have grief counselors on campus all day. Rest In Peace my friend

Condolences poured in from around the state on social media.

“The Florida Flag Football Community mourns the loss of Coach McCray,” the Tampa Robinson flag football Twitter account posted. “He was a regular at the FACA clinic and cared deeply about building a program for his kids.”