Sammy Alfred McRae surrendered peacefully to complications from ALS while surrounded by his loving family at Oasis Hospice of The Woodlands, Texas on Wednesday February 1, 2017 at the age of 69. Sammy was born on February 17, 1948 to Mavis Kidd McRae and Cleveland Edward McRae in Meridian, Mississippi. He was the youngest of four boys. His father relocated the family to the New Orleans area where they lived out the remainder of their years. At the age of 18, Sammy chose to cut short his education and serve his beloved country in the Vietnam era. He was a Marine in all aspects of the word. He served as a Crew Chief on the Huey Helicopters during two tours in Vietnam and received an honorable discharge. However, Sammy always said, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” After returning home to Chalmette, Louisiana he was introduced to the love of his life while on a blind date. Sammy married Janice E. Hines on December 15, 1973. They remained in Chalmette while raising their two sons, Jeffrey K McRae and Bryan E McRae, until Hurricane Katrina. They were an example of love and devotion to all who knew them. Janice was Sammy’s caregiver for nine years during his battle with ALS. Sammy worked at Mother’s Restaurant on Poydras for over 30 years. He began as a butcher and retired as the General Manager. He helped his sons develop a strong work ethic as they each worked along side of him during his tenure there. His parents, brothers Wayne & Harry “Don” McRae, all preceded Sammy in death. Sammy is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janice H. McRae; son Jeffrey K McRae, his wife Edie D McRae, and their sons Jack & Tyler McRae; son Bryan E McRae, his wife Jill G McRae and their daughter Carly McRae; his brother Gerald E McRae; sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Sammy never met a stranger. He was a friend to many. He had a tough exterior, but a heart of gold. Sammy was a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the VFW Post 4709 in Montgomery County, Texas. He will be greatly missed. The family would like to extend gratitude to Oasis Hospice for their service, and to those that diligently assisted the family in caring for Sammy during his illness. A celebration of life and memorial was held for family and friends at Mother’s Next Door on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the ALS Association—Texas Chapter located at 26119 I-45 North, Suite 202, Spring, Texas 77380.
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