Mr. John Rae, Jr.

RAE, Mr. John G. Rae, Jr. 88, died February 11, 2013 in Nashville, TN after a long illness. He was born in Philadelphia to John G. Rae and Lois Rae and was later raised by his grandmother until his father remarried Irene Sadler. John loved aviation ever since he was a child, joining the newly chartered Philadelphia Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol as a Cadet in 1942. He graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1943 and entered the U.S. Army Air Corp during WW II where he served as a B-24 tailgunner. During the service he met Mona B. Hasselriis, in the Woman's Army Air Corp, and they were married at the Army Air Corp Base at Gowen Field, Boise, ID June 30, 1945. Following their honorable discharges they settled in Bayport, Long Island, New York. He worked throughout his years as a Carpenter Contractor and sold Life Insurance. John and Mona raised three sons, Dr. John G. Rae III (Susan) of Florence, SC, Rev. Gary W. Rae (Edee) of Harrisburg, SD, and Jeffrey M. Rae (Debbie) of Nolensville, TN. John believed in giving back to the community and was a leader in many causes throughout his lifetime. He served in the Bayport, New York Volunteer Fire Department, was a Long Island South Shore Disaster Response Chairperson for the American Red Cross, and was a member of the Bayport United Methodist church in Bayport and later at Highland Park and Dawsey UMC in Florence, SC. He served as a Methodist Lay Speaker for many years and sang in the church choir. He helped charter the Bayport American Legion Post in 1968 serving as Commander and Chaplain. He later served in the Legion Post in Florence, SC. and volunteered in various Veteran organizations including Veteran's Homes. He loved aviation and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and Antique Aircraft Association. He led the cause to save Long Island's last grass landing strip in Bayport by organizing the Bayport Aerodrome Society and served many years as President. He enjoyed restoring antique aircraft and building a Pietenpol Sports Aircraft. He loved to dance and enjoyed model railroading. When he saw the need for a home for Veterans in eastern S. C., he led the cause that would eventually bear fruit in the Veterans Victory House State Nursing Home, Walterboro, SC. At the time of his death he was residing at Southern Care Assisted Living in Franklin, TN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mona in 2001. He is survived by a sister, Irene Wiker (Edgar)of Bridgeton, NJ, three sons, Dr. John G. Rae III (Susan) Florence, SC, Rev. Gary W. Rae (Edee) Harrisburg, SD, Jeffrey M. Rae (Debbie) Nolensville, TN, Six grandchildren, (4) great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held 10:00AM Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, TN and Internment will take place at Florence National Cemetery, Florence, SC with Military honors at 9:00 am Monday, February 25th. Friends and Family are welcome to attend. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615-794-2289. Williamsonmemorial.com

Visitation Details

Saturday, February 23rd, 2013 9:00am - 10:00am, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Service Information

Saturday, February 23rd, 2013 10:00am, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Interment Details

Florence National Cemetery