Knox Larry McRae
Knox Larry McRae passed away on April 6, 2022. Born and raised in Decatur, Alabama, Larry was the son of former Alabama State Docks Director, Morgan County Sheriff, and Mayor of Decatur, Knox McRae, and Vera Steward McRae. Larry spent most of his childhood surrounded by his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. He attended Decatur City Schools and Castle Heights Military Academy in Tennessee, and Marion Military Institute in Alabama. Larry graduated from Decatur High School in 1959 and joined the Alabama National Guard, and served at Fort Hood, Texas, during the Berlin Crisis. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Ann Parker, and they have spent the last 61 years having a wonderful life together. He graduated from the Alabama Military Academy and received his commission. He served as a Lieutenant in the Reserve for three years. In 1965, Larry graduated from the University of Alabama. They had two children, Knox Alan McRae and Emily McRae Heisler. Larry was a resident of Pelham, Alabama, for the past 35 years but also lived in Mobile, Alabama, and Nashville, Tennessee, prior to that time.
Larry’s career was in sales, and he retired in 2006. He worked for Metropolitan Life and Commercial Solvents, but most of his career was in trailer sales with Fruehauf, Polar, and Utility Trailers.
Judy and Larry have been members of Riverchase United Methodist Church since 1985. Larry served as an usher and a church bus driver. After retirement, he enjoyed his hobbies of fishing, golf, and visiting his friends at the Shelby County YMCA. He enjoyed traveling, watching Alabama football, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite times were spent with them, especially his two grandchildren, Mallory Heisler and Collin Heisler. Larry will be remembered most by his friends for his compassion for others and his keen sense of humor that kept everyone laughing.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Judy, daughter Emily McRae Heisler (Kris), and his two grandchildren, Mallory Heisler (fiance Louis A. McDonough III) and Collin Heisler. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Lamar Snow, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Knox Alan McRae and his sisters, Jean McRae Stroud and Glenda McRae Snow.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Riverchase United Methodist. Visitation will be at 2:00 PM, and the service will be at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given to Big Oak Ranch, 6000 Shelley Drive, Springville, AL 35146.
Professional services entrusted to W.E. Lusain Funeral Home and Crematory of Birmingham, Alabama.
