Rev. John Benton McRae

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV

John Benton McRae was born October 25, 1929 in Raeford NC to the late Howard and Lydia McRae and departed this mortal plane on Friday, May 18, 2018.

“Mann” as he was known by many, lived a full and fruitful life.  He began his education at Buffalo Springs Elementary School, Hoke County.

He entered the work force as a head cook for McCain Hospital, McCain NC.  He worked as a gourmet chef in Washington, DC and New York City.  Upon returning to NC, he worked for the Dept. of Transportation for many years.  After retiring, he worked for Hoke County Transportation Dept. and Sandhills Community College.

He was converted and joined Buffalo Springs Baptist Church in Raeford NC where he sang in the choir.  After many years, he moved to St. Mary’s Pentecostal Holiness Church in Red Springs NC where he held many offices.  He also attended Jones Temple Revival Center in Pinehurst NC for many years.  In his latter years, he returned to St. Mary’s Pentecostal Church serving many offices until his health failed.

It was in Hoke County where John met the love of his life, Margerene McCrimmon, who joined him in holy matrimony in November 1951.  From this union, six children were born and will cherish his memory forever:  Anne Rene Watson and Catherine McRae of Aberdeen NC, Josephine Kelly (Howard) of Connecticut, John Benton McRae Jr. (Cathy), Ben Howard McRae (Michelle), Larry Mitchell McRae and Robert Davis McRae of Raeford NC; one sister, Sallie Anderson (Joe) of Philadelphia PA; two sisters-in-law, Gracie Rudolph of Freeport, Long Island and Bertha France of Winston-Salem NC; cousin, Pastor Connie Sutherland; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

 “I have finished my course and now I’m ready.”

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