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Benjamin MCRAE Obituary
He is preceded in death by daughter, Nikkole J. McRae; and great-grandson, Jonte J. Peterson.
He will be sadly missed by his family, wife, Suzanne A. McRae; children, Kellan McRae-Johnson, Robby Harris, Ronnell McRae-Scott, Tony McRae, Bennie McRae and Danielle Burroughs; 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and long life friends.
A homegoing service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple, 3100 Butternut Drive, Hampton. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. The family is requesting donations to Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple Youth Center Building Fund in lieu of flowers.
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin MCRAE
CYNTHIA DAVIS
November 22, 2023
Gone but not forgotten, keep resting in peace
Jay Davis
February 21, 2023
I am so sorry for the lateness of this message but I just heard recently from George Seals that Benny had passed. SO SORRY.
James Parker
December 3, 2012
I did not know Bennie personally, but I played against him while he attended Huntington and I, Phenix. What a football player. He was great. I do know suzanne personally and I wish to send my heart felt sympathy to her and her beloved family. My condolences to all.
Gloria Anthony-Roland
December 3, 2012
May you and your family find peace
and solace in the transition of your
loved one Bennie McRae
Sue Hamilton/ Woods
December 1, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Ronald Brooks
December 1, 2012
Suzanne, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. You and your family are in my prayers.
December 1, 2012
December 1, 2012 (Revised)
Bennie McRae was one of Huntington High's originals. He brought enormous credit and pride to the Great Viking Family and the Virginia Peninsula.
On several occasions during the 1960s and early 1970s, he and I had conversations, which were always engaging, warm, and mutually respectful. He was into his meteoric athletic career; I was in the early stages of a long-haul of engineering and academics. With a humorous and irreverent edge, we often asked each other "Are you getting it done?" Our replies were almost always expressed in an understated exchange of confirming wry smiles.
He sang his song on the biggest stage and at the highest level. As a collegian, he was the Big Ten hurdles champion in 1961 and 1962. As a professional, he held down the Chicago Bears' left cornerback position for nearly a decade, returning four interceptions for touchdowns (currently tied for most in team history) and winning the NFL championship in 1963. We should all have been so fortunate and so gifted.
James H. Williams, Jr.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Joe Harrell
November 30, 2012
I wish to extend my heart felt condolence to the Mcrae family,be you blessed !
Maureen Kebea
November 30, 2012
I did not know Mr. McRae personally but I work with his daughter Kellan. My deepest sympathy goes to the McRae family during this time of sorrow. God Bless You.
November 30, 2012
May God Bless The MCRAE Family and allow thoughts that your todays will be happier if you cease to dwell on what happened yesterday or on what may come tomorrow for GOD is good and HIS words are everlasting and will give you the comfort that you need.
Bennie was my High School and Elementary School classmate, neighbor from "Lassiter Drive" and a friend.
May you find Comfort, Peace, Joy and Love in Jesus!
Nellie Oglesby Herbin-Whitfield
Huntington High School, Class '58
November 30, 2012
Our condolences to the McRae family. We wish we could be there in support of you and your family. Bennie will be missed. Know that we love you very much.
Carmelita, Carol, Cecelia and Buster Alston
windsor edwards
November 29, 2012
I would like to extend my condolences to the mcrae family from the Edwards family Ivy Avenue.Stay strong my god bless you all.
Shirley Howerton-Barrow
November 29, 2012
May God continue to bless the McRae Family! I didn't know Bennie personally but I truly admired him for the concern he showed for his hometown. His works speak for him for he truly blessed others as he was blessed! That's what a real christian does! Praying for you(Carver)
Clarence & Frances Hargus
November 29, 2012
My sympathy goes out to Suzanne and the entire family during this stressful time. Suzanne and I worked together years ago in NN Shipyard and she was and is a true friend. May God comfort this family.
Charles Capehart
November 29, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alease Gant
November 29, 2012
To Suzanne and Family of Bennie,
My deepest condolence to you. Bennie was our Huntington High classmate, and we have many fond memories of him and those glorius days of learning.
I pray your loving memories of Bennie will bring you peace.
Sincerely, Alease Rainey Gant, Class of "58
CYNTHIA DAVIS
November 29, 2012
With fondest memories of the past, we join you in your sorrow, our dear cousins. May he rest in peace.
love, Cynthia and family
Tracey Newton
November 29, 2012
To the McRae family: I am truly sorry for the loss of your loved one. I know that it sometimes hard to let go, but just know that it is all in God's plan. I pray that God will continue to comfort and strengthen you during this time of sorrow.
Patricia Jones-Kleckner
November 29, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Bennie's passing. Bennie was a very special friend to me and my family. God Bless this family, for we will see Bennie again.
Perry D. and Evelyn Collins
November 29, 2012
Mcrae Family-We are truly saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved Bennie. As you grieve, know that we are remembering you in our prayers and honoring his memory. We have known Bennie for over 40 years as an amazing athlete and entrepreneur as well as a kind and generous man. Sending you healing thoughts and light.
Elsie Bunny Walker
November 28, 2012
I am so truly sad to learn this news. But he is on to the best of places. My sincere sympathy to all of his family. He was truly one of our local stars. Bunny Walker
November 28, 2012
Bennie came into my life and heart at an early age, He lived life to the fullest. My heart goes out to his family with sincere empathy. He will be missed.
Conrad & Marilyn West
November 28, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the McRae family. Bennie was a dear friend of mine for many years. We will all miss him.
Ann Jackson
November 28, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tracy Carr
November 28, 2012
Tony and family, please know you are in my prayers.
November 28, 2012
Suzanne and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your faith in God and pleasant memories be a source of strength for all of you.
Sincerely,
Beth Yancey Reddick
Pembroke Pines, Florida
James Williams
November 28, 2012
Bennie McRae was one of Huntington High's originals. He brought enormous credit and pride to the Great Viking Family and the Virginia Peninsula.
On several occasions during the 1960s and early 1970s, he and I had several encounters, which were always engaging, warm, and mutually respectful. He was into his meteoric athletic career; I was in the early stages of a long-haul of engineering and academics. With a humorous and irreverent edge, we often asked each other "Are you getting it done?" Our replies were almost always expressed in an understated exchange of confirming wry smiles.
He sang his song on the biggest stage and at the highest level —he held down the Chicago Bears' left cornerback position for nearly a decade, returning four interceptions for touchdowns (currently tied for most in team history), and starting for the NFL champions in 1963. We should all have been so fortunate and so gifted.
James H. Williams, Jr.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
ann raney davis
November 28, 2012
Deepest condolences to those near and dear to Benny.
McRoy(Phenix) Hardy
November 28, 2012
May God bless the McRae family at this time of mourning and when he played football while doing so much for the community in his hometown;
November 28, 2012
God bless all of you, my prayers will remain with you! Know that God will be there with you after all of your family and friends have returned to their lives just ask, love Maxie
Byron Jones
November 28, 2012
Suzanne and femily,
You have my deepest sympathy and prayers,may God comfort you and keep you in his blessing
Robbie Stowe
November 28, 2012
Tony and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing but I have heard the beautiful story surrounding the last years of his life and you and your family are so blessed!
I think the world of you, Tony, and if there is anything I can do for you and your Family, please call on me.
Love,
Chalice Rodgers
November 28, 2012
Kellan & Tony I'm sorry on the passing of your dad. May God comfort you and your family at this time. Peace & Blessings to all
Darryl Travis
November 28, 2012
May God comfort you in this time of sorrow. Bennie was a long time of the Travis Family. He was a hero to myself and others of my class. He will be missed and his memory will forever precious to me and my family.
Johnsie Mae Boyd & Family
November 28, 2012
To The Family:
How sweet the sunshine after rain, and sweet the rest that follows pain. But sweeter far His face to see, the Son of God who died for me. Bennie has gone home to see the face of the Son of God, so dry your eyes family and fiends, and we'll see Bennie once again.(in Heaven) May you continue to walk with God, and may His grace and mercy be with you. Johnsie Boyd
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home
November 28, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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