[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 168 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO JUDGE FERRILL DAVID McRAE

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of 
an outstanding member of our community, former Mobile County Circuit 
Judge Ferrill David McRae, a longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, who 
passed away October 20, 2011, at the age of 77.
  Judge McRae was known for his fairness and steadfast dedication to 
the principles of justice for all. He sat on the bench during historic 
times and always dedicated himself to upholding the law.
  Originally a native of Irvine, Kentucky, but reared in Mobile, Judge 
McRae graduated from Murphy High School in 1952. He later attended The 
University of Alabama, earning a B.S. in Accounting in 1959, and a 
Juris Doctorate from the University's law school in 1961. While at the 
University, Judge McRae earned part of his tuition money by tutoring 
football players during the tenure of legendary football coach Paul 
``Bear'' Bryant.
  For many, earning two college degrees would dominate their time. 
However, Judge McRae also found time during his scholarly pursuits to 
honorably serve his country. He was called to active duty in the United 
States Army from 1957-59 during which time he achieved the rank of 
sergeant. He continued to serve as a member of the reserves until 1962.
  In 1961, with his studies and military service largely behind him, 
Judge McRae was admitted to practice law in the Trial and Appellate 
Courts of the state of Alabama, and was admitted to practice before the 
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, the U.S. 
Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
  After just four years of practicing law, Judge McRae had 
distinguished himself in the local bar such that he became a logical 
choice to be appointed to the Circuit Court bench by then-Governor 
George C. Wallace. Judge McRae served a total of five years as a 
Domestic Judge and seven terms as a Circuit Judge in the 13th Judicial 
Circuit. He returned to the classroom to teach Business Law at the 
University of South Alabama for many years. As an avid fan of his 
beloved Crimson Tide, Judge McRae was also a charter member of the 
Mobile Red Elephant Club.
  Judge McRae's four decades on the bench not only advanced our system 
of justice, but also the quality of Alabama's court system. He will be 
sorely missed by all who served with him and by those who benefitted 
from his fairness on the bench.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask the House to join me in extending our 
deepest condolences to his wife, Brenda, as well as their surviving 
children, Corinne, Leslie, Ferrill Jr., Liz, Michelle, their 
grandchildren, their family and many friends. You are all in our 
thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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