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WILLIAM MCRAE Obituary
WILLIAM HARRIS MCRAE
ELLERBE — William Harris ("Willie") McRae of Ellerbe, North Carolina, and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2020. Willie was 65 years old. He was the son of the late Harris McKinnon and Nancy Thomas McRae. He was owner and president of Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, SC, and president of McRae Produce. Willie was a former owner of Ellerbe Springs Inn and Restaurant, and Ellerbe Lumber Company, both in Ellerbe, NC.
Willie was a 1972 graduate of Oak Ridge Military Institute. He also attended Sandhills Community College in Southern Pines, NC.
In 1972, he assumed management of Boone Hall Plantation, and guided the plantation to become a favorite attraction for visitors to Charleston, SC. He brought concerts, festivals and sporting events to the plantation, with the entertainment and enjoyment of the people in the Mt. Pleasant and Charleston area as his goal. Many of these events benefited charities. Willie was recognized for his tourism and agritourism successes.
This year, Willie received the Order of the Palmetto from the Governor of the State of South Carolina which is the highest award that can be granted to an individual. This recognition flowed from the conservation easement granted to the Low County Land Trust by Boone Hall Plantation LP. This easement restricts future development of the entire tract of the land owned by Boone Hall and assures that its current activities can continue in perpetuity. Willie McRae and his sister, Elizabeth McRae, were responsible for the creation of this grant.
An avid sportsman, Willie loved hunting ducks and upland birds and always looked forward to deer season and off-shore fishing trips.
Willie was a respected businessman and beloved friend to many. He is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth McRae and husband, Finn Petersen, and numerous cousins.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Ellerbe United Methodist Church, PO Box 340, Ellerbe, NC 28338.
The family expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Andy Arnold, MD, Dr. Gene Saylors, MD, Dr. Mary Decker, MD, and to Hospice of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and caregiver, Teresa Rauth.
Carter Funeral Home of Ellerbe, NC, is serving the McRae Family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM MCRAE
Trisha Orndoff
April 6, 2020
Willie was a great & gracious friend to us for many years. He has left a wonderful legacy and will be truly missed by so many. Prayers to his family during this time.
Peace & Blessings,
Kenny & Trisha Orndoff
Terri Richards
April 6, 2020
Mr. McRae was a kind, wonderful man. I was saddened to hear of his passing, and my condolences go to his family.
I got to know him, as one of our patients, and he never stopped fighting, no matter what.
God bless you, dear one. You are no longer in pain.
Terri Richards
Rad Onc
Ibbie Roper Alexander
April 5, 2020
Willie and I have been friends over 40 years. He was a very special man, full of love for his friends and his beloved Boone Hall. Great memories of the Weekend
Polo Matches , Oyster Roasts and many fun boat rides . Our memories together will live in my heart forever...
Jake Jacobs
April 4, 2020
Willie was a special friend and doing work for he and the Plantation with my company, ASR Communications Company, was one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. He was a one of a kind special guy!
April 4, 2020
Elizabeth,
It is such sad news about your brother, Willie, and my friend of many years! When he and Stuart Precythe would visit us in Wrightsville Beach, NC, it was always filled with great friendship, laughter and a boat ride! I truly am sorry for your loss, and know that his memory will live long in the lives of the many people he touched. Willie was an instrument of connecting and creating relationships of such diverse geographical areas, Willie will be missed, and I send prayers and comfort to your family.
Elizabeth Wells Newber
Hampstead, NC
Ann Wright Suggs
April 4, 2020
Elizabeth, I am very sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Your family is in my prayers.
April 3, 2020
Willie Harris was a great man, I was privileged to know him as a friend. Elizabeth I am so sorry to hear this terrible news....
Bill English
Sherry Shealy Martschink
April 3, 2020
Elizabeth,
I am so sorry for your loss. Willie (with your support) did so much for Mt. Pleasant, all of East Cooper and the entire lowcountry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Harry Stephens
April 3, 2020
Willie was my roommate at Oak Ridge Military Academy. We shared many good times. He left Oak Ridge and did many good things. I am sorry for your loss. May your memories and his accomplishments bring you comfort.
CHERYLL WOODS-FLOWERS
April 3, 2020
I was so very sad to hear of the passing is Willie McRae. Although I am a lifelong resident of Mount Pleasant and a former Mayor, Willie and I didn't really know each other as friends. I am not sure why and it doesn't really matter...I do not have to be priviledged to call him a friend to understand and to be thankful for all that he has meant to our community through his years of ownership and stewardship of Boone Hall Plantation. His and his family's ultimate gift of the conservation easement granted to the Low County Land Trust which restricts future development of the entire tract of the land and assures that its current activities can continue in perpetuity may be the most amazing thing that anyone has done for us. I appreciate his sincere love of the property and the people of his community. We are indeed a blessed bunch to have had Willie as everyone's neighbor and friend. I pray that his family and everyone that grieves for him will find peace in the coming weeks and months.
Billy Walker
April 2, 2020
Willie Harris was a very unique person . He always made everyone better just by knowing him. He was one of a kind and will definitely be missed . Prayers sent for the family during this time of healing. May God bless.
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