Walter Forrest McRae II, a native of Mobile, AL, was born on December 22, 1942, to Angus Alexander and Hazel Rogers McRae. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Grady Angus McRae, his cousin Ronnie McRae (who was like a brother to him), and his son Walter Forrest McRae, Jr. His family finds peace knowing he and his only son and namesake are reunited. Walter met his wife of 61 years, Charlotte Griffin, on a blind date in 1961, Charlotte’s senior year in high school. They raised their four children in Mobile, where they were lifelong residents until they moved to Spanish Fort, AL, in 2001. Most recently they moved to Westminster Village, where they became reacquainted with old friends and made many new ones.
Walter graduated from Murphy High School in 1961, and he rarely missed a class reunion in the past 62 years. He joined Mitternight Boiler Works shortly after graduation, serving as President for 17 years before retiring in 2011 after more than fifty years with the company. Walter was an avid sportsman, enjoying deer hunting and fishing all his life. As a young adult, he played on several successful softball teams traveling around the Southeast. The highlight of his softball career was playing with Clutch Specialty and winning the Mobile metro, regional, and world tournaments. Fall was his favorite time of year, as he looked forward to hunting season and college football. He enjoyed watching his beloved Crimson Tide, analyzing every play of each game. He also loved sitting on the balcony of their condo in Orange Beach and watching the boats on Ole River.
He was very proud of his three daughters: Terri McRae Holley (Craig) of Chattanooga, TN; Danna McRae Bramlett (Bill) of Spanish Fort, AL; and Jennifer McRae Gordon (Brodie) of Fairhope, AL. His greatest blessings, however, were his eight grandchildren: Krista Dunbar Frame (Nick) Chattanooga, TN; Ann Elizabeth Holley, New York, NY; Allison Bean Wrinkle (Wyatt) Houston, TX; Ansley Bean Wilson (Steven) Laurel, MS; Sara Holley, Chattanooga, TN; Evan Bean, Pascagoula, MS; Annabel and Georgia Gordon, Fairhope, AL; and six great-grandchildren who brought him so much joy: Lila, Wilder, and Nellie Wrinkle, Chapel Wilson, and Fitz and Flora Frame.
He is survived by his only sister, Mildred Williams of Denver, CO, his closest childhood friend, Don Clay (Carolyn) of Fairhope, AL, and many other beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be sorely missed by his "cronies" Russell Osborne and Willis Wilcox.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM at Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 23rd. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. The family would like to thank Lizzie Bradford and Lisa Lawson, who were wonderful caregivers to Walter in the last year of his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Westminster Village Employee Appreciation Fund, 500 Spanish Fort Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
