JR was born September 17, 1942 in Cumberland County, NC to Cain David and Mary Jane McRae.
After graduation from Armstrong High School in Fayetteville, NC and living in Philadelphia, he joined the U.S. Army. His Army career began in Ft. Belvoir, VA where he went to Engineering school. He was later sent to Ft. Benning, GA; Vietnam, Korea, Hawaii, Ft. Hood, TX, and finally Ft. Erwin, CA where he retired after 20 years of service. During his Army career he received numerous citations, certificates, awards and ribbons in varies areas of training.
After retirement, he worked for Warren Clark's Car lot and later for Patriot Used Cars in Copperas Cove and Killeen for about 17 years.
JR was a quiet man until he got to know you. He enjoyed talking with his friends; Adam, Dean, John, and Dave; and talking football with his son-in-law, Lynwood. NASCAR racing and golf were two of his favorite sports, especially if Tiger Woods was playing. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and bragged on them often.
JR is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elvira McRae; a daughter, Annette (Lynwood) of PA; two sons, Christopher (Tricia) of Temple, Patrick of Copperas Cove; grandchildren, Danielle and Maurice of PA, Christian (Annie), Joshua and Noah of Temple, William (Andrea) of Belton and Bishop of Copperas Cove; six great grandchildren; sisters, Helen Hudson of PA, Annie Jane Sutton of NC; one brother King David (Jennie) of NC and several nieces and nephews.
JR was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, two brothers and a great granddaughter.
A memorial service for JR will be held Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 211 W Avenue B, Copperas Cove, TX.
My beloved husband will be missed by all who knew him but, most of all by me, his wife.
The McRae Family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, flowers, plants, phone calls and text messages.
