Donald Gilchrist McRae, Jr.
September 20, 2024
CHARLOTTE – Donald Gilchrist McRae, Jr. passed away on the afternoon of Friday, September 20, 2024, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Don was surrounded by his family and two pastors, in prayer.
Don McRae was born in Charlotte, NC on November 10, 1947, son of Donald Gilchrist McRae and Evelyn Elizabeth Johnson McRae. He was raised in Charlotte and attended Commonwealth United Methodist Church as a child. Don graduated from Garinger High School in 1965. He was a proud alumnus of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1969.
Don worked in the industrial field of pipe fabrication in several roles involving production management. Several of the firms were connected in succession through firm reorganizations. His long career included the firms: Dravo, Connex, Shaw Group, and finally Parts and Machinery in Union, SC.
Don enjoyed playing golf, watching and supporting the North Carolina Tar Heels, do-it-yourself home projects and repairs, and researching genealogy. He enjoyed a hobby of making greeting cards and had an aptitude for writing poetry. Don cared for his family. He was a coach for youth sports teams, and a teacher of many things to his children.
Don McRae is survived by his wife, Martha Orndoff McRae; son, Michael James McRae; daughter, Nancy Leigh McRae, all of Charlotte. Also surviving are his sister, Sue McRae Ulshen and her husband, Marty; nephew, Daniel Ulshen and his wife, Karen; niece, Sarah Powell, all of Chapel Hill and many cousins and extended family.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 1501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in Oxford Hall.
Memorials may be offered in memory of Don to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 (include in the memo line Donald or Michael McRae) or via Donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org).
Don will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Our sincere condolences to you all. Don was such a wonderful man and it was a pleasure getting see him every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Pulmonary Rehab. We loved to hear his latest count as to how many miles he had walked in our gym and will miss his kindness and warm presence. He is at peace now with Toby by his side. Rest well Don.
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Don was a kind and friendly man that would.lend a hand to those that needed help. He constantly worked around his house and yard in later years and was there to help his neighbors if needed.
He was okay as a surf fisherman on our family vacation trip to Garden City Beach, S.C.
Don saw most people as a friend and never put himself above anyone. He helped my mother over many years as she grew older and needed more attention.
He never asked anything in return.
He loved his family, friends, and animals.
He will be missed by many. -
I had the great opportunity to know Don for 15 years. Don was very smart and could be very funny. Don was instrumental in the success of Parts & Machinery, Inc. I considered him a true friend and I will miss him dearly.
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