Donald 'Art' McRae

Donald "Art" McRae, age 77, a resident of Clawson, died March 15, 2009 in Ocala, FL. He was born April 29, 1931 in Argyle, MI. Mr. McRae was a 1950 graduate of Lincoln High School in Ferndale. He was in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956. He worked for GM Parts Fab from 1956-1989 as a wood pattern maker. He was a member of the Clawson United Methodist Church from 1957 to the present, where he was an usher and a trustee. Mr. McRae was a Clawson Lions Club member and the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship award and Citizen of the Year. He was a resident of Clawson since 1957, and once the Grand Marshal of the 4th of July parade. He loved gardening and received the Clawson Home Beautification award for his flowers, as well as, winning several times for Christmas lights and decorations. Mr. McRae's retirement was spent doing volunteer work in the community, including delivering lunches to the shut-ins, building ramps for individuals with disabilities, coordinating volunteer drivers for the South Oakland Shelter, playing Santa for the city Christmas tree lighting and many other activities for the Lions Club, church and the community. He also loved traveling and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters. He is survived by his wife, Gloria McRae, whom he married August 23, 1952 at Ferndale United Methodist Church; children, Catherine Ward McRae-Spisso of Tallahassee, FL, Donald Vivian McRae of Beaufort, SC, Julie Don Michel of Clawson and Jeffrey Erin McRae of Dallas, TX; and grandchildren, Lauren Spisso, Danielle Spisso, Stephanie Michel, Janie McRae and Darci McRae. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Janie McRae; and siblings, Isabella Watson, Jean Bishop and Donna Holmes. Visitation will be held Friday 2 – 9 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile Road 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. In state Saturday 10 a.m. until the time of service 11 a.m. at Clawson United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Thomas Keef officiating. Inurnment will be at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy. Memorials to Leader Dogs for the Blind, Memorial Department, P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, MI 48308-5000, Clawson United Methodist Church, 205 N Main Street, Clawson, MI 48017 or charity of the donor's choice. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Donald 'Art' McRae

April 29, 1931 - March 15, 2009