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JOHN D. McRAE

John D. McRae, 75, of Willoughby, OH, formerly of Murphy, died Sunday (Oct. 31, 2004) at his residence. He was a native of Cherokee County, but had lived in Willoughby for the past 41 years. He was the son of the late James William and Mary Em Kephart McRae. He had served in the US Navy from 1946 to 1948 and the US Army from 1951 to 1953. John was an encapsulator for Reliance Motors, retiring in 1991 after 36 years of loyal service. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Willoughby. John was an avid musician, loved bluegrass music, and loved playing and building instruments. He enjoyed playing the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and piano. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed greatly.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Lola Dockery, Ellen McRae, Bertha McRae, and Alma Barefoot; and two brothers, Horace and Andrew McRae.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Ruby Layne McRae; two daughters, Kimberly Groskopf and husband, Ken and Kelly Gadke and husband, Rich; a sister, Virtle Beaver of Murphy; a brother, Harvey McRae of Murphy; and five grandchildren, Matthew, Kurt, Erik, Natalie, and Lukas.

Graveside services at 11:00 AM Friday (Nov. 5) in the Owl Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Scott Cole officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 Thursday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

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