Neil E. McRae

Neil McRae was the youngest child born to William and Dorothy McRae in Brooklyn, New York, on July 31,1953. This dearly beloved, departed this life on January 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness.

It was in New York City that Neil received his primary and secondary education, graduating from Eli Whitney High School, and later attending York College. While in his youth, Neil developed a passion for basketball and often reminisced about those carefree days. Upon leaving high school, Neil’s passions expanded to singing, dancing, and he also worked as a disc jockey. His vocal abilities were showcased as a singer in various choirs, while his love of music and his joy of dancing could be seen in New York City's clubs. He was often found on the dance floor of The Garage, which was his favorite hang-out spot.

As the disco experience began to fade, the next chapter in Neil's life began. He went to work for the City College of New York, where he was employed for 33 years as a Campus Officer Sergeant from 1984 until his retirement in 2017. After his retirement, he relocated to the state of Georgia, where he settled until his departure from this life.

Neil's love for travel led him to many places, but he held a special affection for Barbados; a place of deep personal significance due to his family roots and his connection to his dearly beloved wife Roselyn. Barbados also provided an oasis and a get-away from the busyness and bustle of life. He loved hanging out with the locals, enjoying the fresh food, especially seafood, the weather, and the cool island vibes.

Neil had many passions, however, none was greater than his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Neil accepted the Lord Jesus Christ after his dico days and was deeply committed to his faith. His character, ambitions, and service bore witness to this. His light shone bright wherever his presence graced. His love for God manifested in his many gifts that he was blessed with. Neil used his gifts to serve in ministry in the Hospitality and the Security Ministries, and was a very active and vocal choir member of his beloved Christian Culture Center, Brooklyn, in New York City.

Upon moving to Georgia, the momentum never waned. He found a place of solace at Excel Church World Wide. Of course, he was not one to just sit in the church. He served as a deacon, a member of EXCEL Worship, and an active committee member of the S.A.L.T. ministry, the senior ministry at his church. Neil was always engaged in something ministry. When he was not busy, he would be singing or practicing with Testafy, a group that he co-founded. He would be a DJ at S.A.L.T.'s events, competition chef, yes he could cook! He even won first place in the male category. He was a very versatile man. In every church position, he provided guidance and support to many individuals. His caring nature, jovial attitude, and larger than life personality left a lasting impression on all who were very fortunate enough to know him or encounter him..

Neil will be remembered as a good man. His legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire those who were touched by his presence. He will live on in the hearts of many. Neil lived a good life.

Neil was predeceased by his parents, William and Dorothy McRae, and his sister, Estelle Hill. He leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife, Roselyn; his daughter, Jamila Medley and son-In law Ralph Medley; granddaughters Brianna Whitaker-Bailey and Claire Medley; great-grandchildren, AJ, Kyrie, and Aria; brother, William McRae Jr.; nieces Kendal Overton, Shereena Pena, and Shawn McRae; great nephew, Savon Pena; great niece Dominique; sisters- in-law Dorothy McRae, Wyndene Foster, Judy

Hurdle, Heather Bishop, Rhonda Taylor, Fay Hurdle, Kathleen Waithe, Millicent Hurdle, and Karon Dowridge; brothers-in-law Henderson Hurdle, Andrew Hurdle, Grantley Bishop, Matthew Foster, and Kiam Dowridge; the Mapp, Hattley, Barrett, McRae, Jasper, and Howell families; his special friends Dennis Brooks, JW Lance, Brian and James Butler, Pastor G.P. Foster, Shay Lane, members of Excel Church Worldwide and Christian Cultural Center, and many other relatives and friends.

We thank God for blessing us with such a gentle giant and caring angel. You came! You served! And now it's time to hear, "well done faithful servant". We will miss your name giving self, especially the Maes. Walk good!

A visitation of family and friends will be held for Neil on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home - Fairview Chapel | 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. A celebration of his life will occur immediately following the visitation. Services will conclude with a graveside committal at Fairview Memorial Gardens | 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.