Charles Ferris McRae

Always in our hearts, forever remembered, Charles Ferris McRae, entered eternal rest Thursday, March 3, 2022, while a patient at Forrest Oakes Healthcare Center, Albemarle, North Carolina. He was affectionately known as, “Chicken” by family and friends. Charles was born August 26, 1942, in Stanly County, North Carolina; and was the son of the late James and Hattie Gatewood McRae. He was a great conversationalist and enjoyed meeting people. Charles loved fashion and was always impeccably dressed. He was charismatic and kept things lively. When tomorrow begins, and he is no longer present in our lives, we will remember that his life was well lived, and he was well loved.

Charles was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended West Badin High School, Badin, North Carolina. In high school, he was an avid sports enthusiast, and especially loved the game of football and basketball. Charles was often seen challenging the officials when they made a “bad call”. He was employed with Dunlap Concrete Company, Norwood, North Carolina prior to retirement.

He was a man of faith and devoted member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Badin. There he was a member of the Men’s Choir and enjoyed the fellowship of church members. Charles loved singing and praising the Lord. He also enjoyed eating at his favorite restaurants: Charlie’s and Bojangles. Charles relished spending time with his grandchildren at family gatherings and other celebrations.

His parents and siblings: Ray Thomas McRae, Willie Clyde McRae, Mary Tyson, Lucinda Washington, and Lucille Carpenter preceded him in death.

Charles’ memory will be cherished in the hearts of his former wife, Bettie McRae; sons: Vincent (Carol) Jackson, Charles Darnell Lilly, Tracey Huntley, and Christopher Michael McRae; daughters: Anita (Davara) Ponds, Crystal Ford, Monica (Leon)Harrison, Carla McRae, LaChundra Pemberton, and Ashley Davis; eighteen grandchildren; twenty great great-grandchildren; brothers: John Lacy (Carrie) Coppage, Donald (Bertha) McRae, James (Vickie) McRae, and Byron (JoAnne) McRae; sister, Faynetta Allgood; brother-in-law, Bishop Franklin Washington Sr.; special niece, Vivian Freeman; host of nieces, nephews, other relatives; God children: Todd Lilly, Tammy Goines, Shawyn Lilly, Vickie Lilly, Donna Lilly, and Katherine Wall; special friends: Anita Collins, Eric Davis, Eric Jackson, Howard and Dajuan Spencer. 

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