Terrell McRae Obituary

Terrell Hayes McRae (Ted) finished his earthly life on May 18, 2025 at the age of 89 and began his eternal journey with his Savior. He is preceded in death by his mother Camilus Brooks "Mickey" McRae and father Reginald "Reg" McRae. He leaves behind his beautiful wife of 67 years, Jean Durrance McRae, as well as four living children, Cheri Conway of Provo, Utah, Christopher T. McRae, Esq. (Susan) of Tallahassee, T. Bradley McRae, Esq. (Cassandra) of Lake City and Dr. Dustin McRae (Shelby) of St. Augustine. He was predeceased by two other children (Michael McRae and Teresa McRae).
He was born and raised in Jacksonville as the oldest of five children; Dr. Thomas McRae (Judy) of Jacksonville, Kathleen Crawford, predeceased, Robert McRae, predeceased, Lee Carroll (Michael) and Scott McRae (Donna) of Jacksonville. In addition, he leaves behind a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, who he loved and who loved him dearly, and was known affectionately as "Papa".
He graduated from Andrew Jackson High in Jacksonville in 1954 and attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. After a few semesters, he returned to Jacksonville due to family illness and began working. Shortly thereafter, he married Jean Durrance in August of 1957. They raised six children together in Jacksonville and in Lake City, after moving there in 1978 to take a new job.
Ted worked his entire career in the road construction industry. After returning from school in Utah in 1954 and needing a job, his uncle helped him get on as a timekeeper for Duval Engineering and Contracting in Jacksonville. His first job was at Cape Canaveral where they were building the launch pads for the Saturn Rockets. He worked his way up at Duval Engineering, which eventually became Houdaille Duval Wright, and in his mid-twenties oversaw the Asphalt Division covering the entire state. In 1978, after 20 years with Houdaille, he was approached by Joe Anderson, Sr. and Hubert Real about moving to Lake City to help out with a small asphalt company they were forming, Columbia Paving. After a lot of hard work and countless hours, Columbia Paving later merged with Anderson Contracting, Inc. to become Anderson Columbia Co, Inc., now one of the largest road construction companies in the United States. He served as its President for close to 3 decades until his eventual retirement. Thereafter, he served as a consultant for about another 15 years.
In his nearly 65 year career, Ted worked on some of the most notable construction projects in Florida, including much of the current Interstate System, Alligator Alley, and the 30-mile, $450 million expansion of Interstate 75 (IROX Project) from Fort Myers to Naples. His work took him all over the world and allowed him to meet many dear friends and colleagues. Even during his declining health of the last few years, his mind was as sharp as ever and he could still remember the specific details of a particular job and all of his close friends from over the years. He took great pride in receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida (where he had been President) and being inducted in 2024 into the Hall of Fame for the Florida Transportation Builders Association. He was also the 1995 Lake City Business Person of the Year and was Director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Ted was an avid Gator and BYU Fan, and loved watching their games. In a time when work was all that many knew, Ted made certain to take time to be with his family, even if that meant Saturday mornings working in the yard (to the chagrin of his children). The memories of Crystal Lake, fishing and summer vacations will always be cherished. He also loved gardening, especially his tomato plants and roses.
But the most important thing to Ted was his relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He served in many leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including as the Branch President of the first congregation established in St. Augustine and as the Bishop of the Lake City First Ward (congregation) for six years. During this time, he took a special interest in working with the widows and widowers, and the youth of the Ward. He especially loved being around the youth and enjoying their energy and enthusiasm for life. Many of those young men and women, now adults themselves, remember fondly his spirituality and kindness. He remained an active member of the church his entire life.
We all miss him but take great comfort in knowing he is enjoying a wonderful reunion with his family and that we will be with him again soon.
A funeral service for Ted will be conducted on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Stake Center, 909 SE Country Club Road, Lake City, FL, 32025. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday evening, May 22, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.