Aldrey Murry McRae

Mac was born on June 7, 1949 in Osaka, Japan, to Allegra Rummel and Mack Murry McRae. US Army assignments moved the family to Germany, Maryland, Texas, Louisiana, and France, before they settled in Starke, Florida. He graduated from Bradford County High School, and was involved in the anti-war movement before serving in the US Navy.

Mac earned a master’s degree in education from Florida State University and began his career as a kindergarten teacher at Lillian E Williams Elementary in Attapulgus, GA. It was there, during a particularly tedious faculty meeting that he met Terry, and their shared sense of humor sparked a connection. Six months later, they were married at Wakulla Springs, and began a life together based on unconditional love and partnership.

Fondly known as “Mr. Mac” to the students he taught over his 30-year career, his immeasurable patience and deep commitment to public education and social justice reflected his unwavering dedication, compassion, and strength of character. Mac loved reading the newspaper, tending his garden, watching Liverpool FC, trips to the beach, and most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Mac is survived by his wife of 45 years, Terry McRae of Tallahassee, FL; daughters, Lauren Ashley Calhoun (Jesse Pinckney) of Charleston, SC, Sarah Kathryn McRae (Austin Wright) of Tallahassee, FL; son, Daniel Murry McRae (Brooke) of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Taylor Calhoun, Hadley Grace and Landon Cooper, Callie and Lilly Wright, and Emery and Easton McRae; and his sister, Tryphenia Alivandi. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rose McClellan.

The family will hold a private memorial. Donations in Mac’s memory may be sent to Second Harvest of the Big Bend at www.fightinghunger.org, Foundation for Leon County Schools at [goog_1137171153] www.foundationforlcs.org, or the ACLU at www.aclu.org.