Colin Thomas Rae Sr.

Colin Thomas Rae Sr. left a legacy of love on Saturday, August 3, 2013, when he went to be with the Lord. Born February 24, 1938, in Pampa, Texas, he was the son of the late Colin Chism Rae and Anita Faye King. On January 12, 1972, he married Regina L. Derby in Lantana, Florida. Tom served in the United States Army where he became a very accomplished engineer. He later went on to teach electronic engineering. Tom went back to school and graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Southern Seminary in December 1980. He did many great things while he was here on this earth. He would want to be remembered most for those things that have eternal significance - the lives he touched for God and the many people he discipled. To his wife, Regina, he was the most devoted and loving husband for 40 years. They remained deeply in love and lived as one in service to Christ. To his children Colin, James, and Andrea was a rock, a loving father, and a best friend. He laid a solid foundation in Jesus Christ for them. He was the world to his grandchildren Brooke, Alexis, and James. He was their grandpal, their rock, and their friend. Tom and Regina were members of Laurel Hill Baptist Church. Tom loved the Lord and lived his life to honor him. He is survived by his wife Regina; his son, Colin Thomas Rae Jr. and his wife, Barbara; his son, James Leigh Rae and Stacey; his daughter, Andrea Michelle Nelson and her husband, Andrew; his beautiful grandchildren, Brooke, Alexis, and James. He is also survived by his brother, Richard "Dick" Rae and his wife, Sharon; his brother, Robert "Bob" Rae and his wife, Pat; his sister, Ruth Johnson and her husband, Bob; his brother, David Rae and his wife, Nancy; his sister, Charlotte and her husband, David Payne; his sister, Mary Rae and Jay Silver; his "brother" Bill Johnson; as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews, and special friends. Tom's kindness and soft spoken ways opened many doors for him and enabled him to further God's kingdom with authority. He has passed the baton of service to the Lord to those of us who remain, as he has finished the race in this life and has been welcomed home. We are broken hearted beyond human expression, but also comforted knowing we will be reunited with him in God's time. We also rejoice because we know that being absent from the body, he is present with the Lord. The family will receive friends and family Monday evening at Laurel Hill Baptist Church from 6:30 until 8 p.m. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at Laurel Hill Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom's name may be made to Laurel Hill Baptist church for the Dominican Mission or Hospice of the Piedmont, www.hopva.org. Hill and Wood Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.