Robert MacRae ’58

Robert MacRae ’58 began his earthly journey on December 8, 1935 and it ended on August 22, 2013. He was preceded in death by his father, Ray MacRae and his mother, Nell MacRae and daughter, Terry Lynn Kirby. He is survived by his wife, Virginia MacRae; his son, Carey Kirby and his wife, Erika; two grandsons, Austin and Ryan Kirby; two grandchildren by marriage, Tristan Garmon and Miranda Sweat and one great-grandchild by marriage, Landon Sweat; a sister, Suzanne MacRae. He received his undergraduate degree from Davidson College in North Carolina and his masters from Vanderbilt University. He was a teacher. A physics professor, retired from Jacksonville State University after 28 years. He was scientist, conducting research for Oakridge Laboratories in Oakridge, Tennessee for 17 years. He was an innovator, pioneering new legal and mechanical concepts with his work as an expert witness in train accident cases. He was a certified railroad engineer and model train enthusiast. He was a pilot who owned his own planes, organized flying trips for Virginia’s school classes (thrilling many schoolchildren and their parents) and took his family on wonderful trips. He was the consummate professional, exacting and demanding perfection in each endeavor of his life. He was a baseball fan, coaching his son’s little league teams and taking in every Atlanta Braves game that he could. Most of all, he was a generous man, giving of his time and resources to his church, family and community. A loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved his family fiercely and unconditionally. He was a renaissance man. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.klbrownfuneralhome.com. K.L. Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Center 322 Nisbet St., N.W., Jacksonville, AL 36265 256-435-7042