Earnest James (McCray) McRae, 75, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Friday, November 20, 2020 at his residence. A native of Palatka, he was the son of Theodore and Carrie (Gaskins) McRae, born on Sunday, August 12, 1945. He was educated in the Putnam County School District and a 1963 graduate of Central Academy High School.

He earned Correctional Officer Certification at the St. Augustine Vo-Tech Center.  He was a correctional officer with the FL Department of Corrections, Martin Correctional Institution for 23 years.  In May, 2007, he became a security officer at St. Johns River State College and medically retired in June, 2020.

While residing in Okeechobee, Earnest was affiliated with First Baptist Church under the pastoral guidance of Reverend Leroy B. Smith.  Earnest graciously served as a Deacon and Usher, as well as with the Transportation Ministry.  Earnest enjoyed fishing, watching television (especially the news, western movies, and sports.) He was an avid Florida State Seminoles fan.

In addition to his parents, Earnest was preceded in eternal rest by his siblings, Freddie Sharp, Theodore Sharp, Charlie McRae, Helen Brown, and Queen McRae.

He leaves to cherish his memories: devoted wife of 13 years , Georgia Mae Chambliss McRae; sons and daughters , Ernest McCray, Jr., Terrie McCray, Crystal McCray, Jannel McCray, all of Boston, MA; Terrance McCray, Tallahassee; Harvey (Vanessa) Shelley, Orlando; Dennile (Traci) Chambliss, Jacksonville; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Rev. Dr. George E. (Mary) McRae, Sr., Miami; Deacon Alphonso (Vivian) McRae, Sr., Palatka; Rev. Dr. Andrew (Mittie) McRae, Gainesville; Deacon Herman (Victoria) McRae, Sr., Palatka; sisters, Mary Brown, Carolyn McRae, Barbara Leonard, and Dorothy Moore, all of Palatka; uncle, Eddie Gaskins, Monteocha; brothers-in-law , Johnnie Lee Smith, East Palatka; Cleveland (Janice) Smith, Orlando; Albert (Rev. Willie Bell) Smith, Davenport; sisters-in-law, Cynthia (Thaddeus) Speed, St. Augustine; Doris Sharp, Jacksonville; goddaughter, Zion McRae; and a host of nieces and nephews, especially devoted niece, Mevely Spell; other relatives, friends, classmates and caring colleagues.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines including required masks with social distancing, a visitation of family and friends will be 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, November 25 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." A Celebration of Life will be 10 a.m., Friday, November 27 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 118 Fairgrounds Road, East Palatka. Reverend Dr. Andrew McRae, pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Gainesville, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, San Mateo.