Barbara McCray, 83, was last seen on the late afternoon of July 31, 2021, taking one of her customary walks near her home on Dugdown Road in Buchanan, Georgia. A family member saw her walking around 6:00 PM; she had dementia and these evening strolls were a normal part of her routine. She never returned that night and her family reported her missing the next day.

Polk County authorities issued a Mattie’s Call and mounted a large search involving more than 200 trained personnel and volunteers, K9 teams, helicopters and heat-sensitive drones. Searchers combed woods, pastures and ponds near Dugdown Road but found no trace. Reports differ on what she was last wearing, with one account saying a light-colored top, black skirt and tennis shoes and another describing a pink shirt, gray shorts and gray Nike shoes.

The active multi-day search was ultimately suspended and the case moved into long-term missing person investigation status. If anyone knew Barbara, saw her that evening, or has information about her movements near Dugdown Road, please come forward.