David Richard McRae
David Richard McRae of Auburn, Alabama, passed into the church triumphant after a brief illness on September 4, 2014 at the age of 30. A memorial service of worship is scheduled for Thursday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center of East Alabama in Opelika, with the Rev. Chris Duncan of Trinity Presbyterian Church officiating. Born on September 4, 1984 in East Ridge, Tennessee, to Brian and Elisabeth McRae, David lived in many places throughout his childhood while being homeschooled by his parents. He spent his years as an undergraduate student at King College in Bristol, Tennessee, graduating summa cum laude in history and political science in 2005. Continuing into graduate school, he moved to Auburn University for a master’s degree in history, which he finished in 2009. Known for his honesty, reliability, and friendliness, David built several strong relationships in Auburn University’s Special Collections and Archives Department while working as a graduate student and eventually full time.Outside of work and class, he ardently cheered on Auburn’s many athletic teams, football being his personal favorite. Furthermore, David was an avid walker and hiker, who enjoyed the outdoors with his family and friends, but also in peaceful solitude. He could often be seen walking along the streets and byways enjoying the scenery in the town that he loved. Any student who attended the Reformed University Fellowship Christian campus ministry since 2005 knew of David and was touched by his friendship and his beautiful, pitch perfect voice singing to his Lord and Savior, Jesus. But his voice was most cherished at his church, Trinity Presbyterian in Opelika, where he energetically encouraged others to sing in the choir and congregation. With unimpeachable attendance, a gentle heart, and a polite manner, David was woven into Trinity’s community by diligently teaching catechism to the children of the church and by loving, and becoming an assumed member of, many of its families. He unified and supported the church’s college ministry with his impeccable regularity and genuine words and actions. David’s laugh was unmistakable and warming; his sincere love and gracious spirit made him a true joy to know; and he would be the first to say that these attributes came from his Lord and Savior, Jesus, Whose praises he sings this very moment. In heart, mind, body, and soul he sought to love God, and through his humility and understanding of God’s mercy to him, he touched many.
David is survived by his parents Brian and Elisabeth McRae, Gainesville, Georgia; and by his siblings: Robert and wife Grace, Donna, Jonathan, and Andrew. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Harold and Grace McRae and Richard and Donna Strom, and by three unborn siblings. Memorials for David may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1010 India Road, Opelika, Alabama 36801.
www.jeffcoattrant.com.