Russell Griffin Mcrae

Russell Griffin McRae, 88, of Thomasville, passed away on Friday, June 17, 2011 at Plantation Manor.

Russell was born May 17, 1923 in Morven, son of the late Buford Wickliff, Sr. and Nora Griffin McRae. He was a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and participated in 33 missions as a tail gunner in a B-24 in the 8th Air Force in England. Mr. McRae retired in 1985 as head of the Art Department at VSU, from the years 1966 through 1985 he did art restoration and participated in the Capitol Restoration in Atlanta in the 1950's, he also participated in other historical restorations as well. He was also a member of the Christ Episcopal Church.

In addition to his wife whom he has been married to since 1955, Mary Louise McRae, he is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Lea and Andrew J. Fitzsimons of Laurel, Maryland, Tracey and James T. Ryder of Tallahassee, Florida and Jean McRae of Valdosta; and five grandchildren, Mary Katherine Fitzsimons and Elizabeth Lea Fitzsimons, both of Laurel, Maryland and William Ross Ryder, Matthew Thomas Ryder and Beverly Anne Ryder all of Tallahassee, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as one sister, Anne McCord and one brother Buford W. McRae, Jr.

Funeral Services for Mr. McRae will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Father Peter Ingeman officiating. Interment will follow in the Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Art Department at VSU. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home, Valdosta.



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602