Raymond Rufus McRae

Raymond Rufus McRae departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Petersburg, VA surrounded by his daughter, Lakeisha R. McRae and her husband, Ashanti. 

Raymond McRae was born on May 28, 1948, to the late Rufus Raymond McRae and Marian Clark McRae in Orange, New Jersey. He attended the various public schools, his favorite school was I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Raymond gave his life to Jesus Christ at an early age but later re-dedicated to Christ his life as an adult. 

As a young adult, Raymond, was employed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric, Atlantic Maine Center as a launch coxswain(wiper). He was a house painter and was able to fix anything. Raymond dug a fishpond and built a filter for the pond for his mother. His hobbies included gardening, crabbing, cooking and fishing. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his children and family. He was the friendliest person.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Raymond McRae and Marian Clark McRae, his brother, Roger Clark McRae and his sister, Marian McRae.

Raymond is survived by two sons, Leander Knox, Sr. and Landis Ray Knox of Portsmouth, Virginia: two daughters, LaKeisha Renee McRae (Ashanti Luke) of Colonial Heights, Virginia and Latrish J. Trotter of Portsmouth, Virginia. His brother Ronald J. McRae, Sr. (Paula) of Portsmouth, Virginia; his two sisters, Renee McRae Riddick of Portsmouth, Virginia and Rita Kim N. Holmes (Richard) of Waldorf, Maryland. Raymond is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, Leander Knox, Jr., Anya Nichols, Audrea Knox, Brandon, Knox, Alonzo Jenkins, Shaniya Johnson-Knox, Shanna Givens, Marquis Cuffee, Darizius Cuffee, Sherae McRae, Siara Givens, Soren Luke, Salil Luke, Trey Nixon, Madisyn Felder, and Maya Riddick, numerous of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

Raymond had two special buddies, Freddy Jones and James King. 

On Thursday, December 19, 2024 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10am on Friday, December 20, 2024 at the chapel.  Interment will follow at Chapel Grove UCC Church Cemetery.  Please keep the McRae family in your prayers.