Ron McRae

Ronald Luther McRae, of New Port Richey, Fla., passed on from this life into eternity on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014. Ron was born on May 10, 1949 in Bremerhaven, Germany into a military family. After moving back stateside, Ron finished his education and volunteered to serve in the Army. He was a tank commander in the Vietnam War. Ron was awarded the Purple Heart among other medals for acts of bravery in the midst of battle. Though he saw much and gave dearly, it was rare for him to speak on his time overseas. Living most of his life in Chattanooga, he was very active in the community. Ron had a successful career with IBM as a systems engineer. He was a loyal father, who devoted much energy to giving and ensuring his family lacked for nothing. His faith in Christ was strengthened during his time as a member of First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, where he served as a deacon. Rons understanding of Christ and mentorship by his father-in-law, Harold Finch, became integral to the man he became. Ron had a lot of interests including boating, sports cars, theology, cooking, and bicycling along the beautiful Florida shores. His greatest joy in life was certainly his grandson and namesake, Jacob McRae Williams. "Pop" and Jake enjoyed going to the beach, building sandcastles and going out for ice cream in the evenings. He left this world with loved ones surrounding him. He is in pain no more and wrapped in the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. We will see you again Ron, "Pop", Dad...... He was preceded in death by his parents, John Duncan and Louise McRae; sister, Montyne Carroll; and brother, Donald McRae. Survivors include his daughter, Bronwyn McRae Williams (Billy); grandson, Jacob McRae Williams; sisters, Gloria (Jerry) Guest and Linda (Roger) McGarrity; and brother, John (Patsy) McRae; and nieces and nephews. A special thank you is extended to Janice and Ralph Kenner for loving and giving so much of themselves during this time. Also, a thank you to the staff at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Fla., for their tremendous care and compassion shown towards Ron and his family during this time. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 S. Moore Road, with the Rev. Joe Novensen officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.