Celebrating the life of . . . . Michael "Mike" McRae
February 27, 1959 - April 21, 2023
Funeral Services: Saturday, April 29, 2023 11:00 am
Central United Methodist Church
115 James Avenue, Thomasville, NC 27360
His Journey
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on tomorrow, for what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanished away”
James 4:14
Michael Anthony McRae, Sr. (Mike), age 64 of Lexington NC passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023 in Raleigh, NC. Mike was born on February 27, 1959 to the late Sylvester McRae and Corine Little McRae. A native of Thomasville, NC; he was a graduate of Thomasville Senior High School—Class of 1977. Mike excelled in the classroom, and was a standout athlete in wrestling and football, receiving a scholarship to North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC to play college football.
In May, 1988 he married the former Vera Hargrave, his loving and devoted wife for the past 34 years. He was the greatest father to his daughter Kara McRae, who reside in Columbia, South Carolina, and his son, Michael McRae, Jr. (MJ) and his wife Quad who reside in Clayton, North Carolina.
His career path allowed him to work in the furniture industry and transportation logistics. He was a man of strong work ethics exampled by his mother, and his most recent job prior to his health challenges was a Dockworker/Dispatcher at Logistics Plus in Lexington. Mike will always be remembered by his laugh that could be identified without even seeing him, a smile that would radiate the room, a gentle spirit to help anyway he could, but most definitely his vast knowledge about politics, sports and any current events.
His mission has been fulfilled, but his legacy will live on and cherished by his wife, children, daughter-in-law, family, friends and love ones. Mike is survived by brothers, Charlie Jackie Little, Sylvester Little (Fannie), Reverend Ronald McRae (Linda), and Kelvin McRae; sisters, Brenda Little, Vickie McKenzie, Linda Sue McRae and Patricia Richardson (Scottie). His extended family consist of aunts; Jeanette Little, Thelma Payne, Dolores Little; uncle Alvin Little, and his McRae extended families. Brother-in laws; Clarence Pete Hargrave (Kymn), Ricky Hargrave (Debra), and Bishop Greg Hargrave (Kim), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, special coworkers, neighbors and friends.
Afterglow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times, and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun;
of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
