The Honorable Ferrill David McRae

The Honorable Ferrill David McRae –a 77 year-old native of Irvine, Kentucky and longtime resident of Mobile passed away at a local hospital on Thursday, October 20, 2011. Judge McRae graduated from Murphy High School in 1952. Upon graduation, he attended The University of Alabama, earning a B.S. in Accounting in 1959 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1961. While at the University, one of the many ways Judge McRae helped fund his education was by tutoring football players during the tenure of Coach Paul W. Bryant. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving active duty from 1957-59, achieving the rank of sergeant, and as a member of the reserves until 1962. Judge McRae was admitted to practice law in 1961 before all Trial and Appellate Courts of the State of Alabama and was admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He was appointed by Gov. George C. Wallace to the Circuit Court Bench in 1965. He served five years as a Domestic Judge and seven terms as a 13th Judicial Circuit Judge. He also taught Business Law at the University of South Alabama for many years, was a charter member of the Mobile Red Elephant Club, and was an avid Crimson Tide fan. Judge McRae is survived by his wife of 32 years, Brenda Chambers McRae; children, Corinne M. Shoulders (Jon), Leslie M. Pellegrino (Ricky), F. David McRae, Jr. (Kimberly), Liz M. Blacksher (Wesley), and Michelle M. Keenlyne (Karl); twin brother, Merrill J. McRae (Pam); grandchildren, Jon Leigh Shoulders, Heather Marie Manogue (Kevin), Rachel Fuqua Navarrete (Ese), F.D. “Mac” McRae, III, Camille Grace McRae, Corinne Haas Blacksher, Lillian Grace Blacksher, and Kelly Elizabeth Blacksher; great-granddaughter, Tayler Leigh Navarrete; sister-in-law, Charlyne Thompson (Mike); niece and nephew, Carlye Thompson Radcliff and M. Cullen Thompson, Jr. (Emily); great-niece and great-nephews, Leslie Maury Radcliff, George Willis Radcliff, and Charles Michael Radcliff. Funeral services will be held from Dauphin Way Baptist Church on Monday, October 24, 2011, at 2 p.m. with Dr. Bill Whitfield officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 p.m. until the service hour. Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street on Sunday, October 23, from 5-7 p.m. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Dauphin Way Baptist Church, Catholic Charities Appeal, the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.