Dr. John Murrell McRae, Jr. HattiesburgDr. John Murrell McRae, Jr. passed away from congestive heart failure on April 2, following a brief stay in hospital hospice care.The son of John Murrell McRae and Mildred Rainwater McRae of Lexington, MS, John was born on August 14, 1930 in Memphis, TN, that being chosen by his mother for having the closest ob-gyn. Although he spent most of his happy childhood in Lexington, because his father was a sugar chemist who managed a large sugar mill in Cuba, the family spent many months there as well.Among his early accomplishments, he achieved the honor of becoming an Eagle Scout, he was a star fullback for his high school football team, lining up behind his dear friend, Henry Paris, at quarterback, and he graduated as Salutatorian of his class.He then entered pre-med at Ole Miss. He joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity, many of whose members became life-long friends. He was proud to have been elected a cheerleader for his beloved Ole Miss Rebels. After completing two years of medical school at Ole Miss, he graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1956. He returned to Jackson to the newly completed University Medical Center for a residency in general surgery under the renowned Dr. James Hardy. John later was honored by being elected President of the Medical Alumni Association.After serving two years as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy, he began his practice in Greenville, MS, where he stayed for three years before being recruited by a medical group in Laurel, MS. He enjoyed a highly successful surgical practice there for many years until alcoholism ended it. Quoting from him, "Just when I thought I was doomed, God led me to sobriety and a wonderful new career in medicine." After sitting for the boards in addiction medicine, he became a board certified addictionologist. He served as medical director at Pine Grove Recovery Center for many years before retiring, only to continue as a consultant for Cumberland Heights in Nashville, TN. His own advice to fellow physicians was, "Always lead from your heart by being kind, understanding, and humble, always available to those in need" words which he himself followed to the highest degree.John was predeceased by his parents, and one son, "Chip." He leaves behind to mourn his loss, his beloved wife, Eileene; two daughters, Lisa Steck of Boston, MA, and Katie Crenshaw (John) of York, PA; two step-sons, Travis Bedwell (Kourtney) of Shreveport, LA, and Matthew Bedwell (Steffany) of Hattiesburg, MS; a sister, Sibyl Child (Jim) of Jackson, MS; and thirteen grandchildren.There will be visitation from 10:00 to 12:00, with a memorial service to be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Hattiesburg at 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 8. Anyone wishing to honor his memory may do so by making an online donation to: www.msphp.com/mcrae or by mailing a contribution to: Kristin Wallace, Administrator, Mississippi Physicians Health Program, 408 W. Parkway Pl., Ridgeland, MS, 39157-6010.