John "Johnnie" "J.E." Erwin Rae, Sr. passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 surrounded by his family in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 86.  He was born on Saturday, August 16, 1930 in Hammond, Louisiana to the late Verlie Nichols Rae and the late Alex Rae.  He was a lifelong resident of Hammond, Louisiana.

John "Johnnie" "J.E." is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Katherine "Kitty" Wright Rae; daughter, Cheryl Rae; son, John Rae, Jr. and his wife Debbie; grandchildren, Michelle Downey Tureau and her husband Charles, Milessa Rae Terry, Carlton Downey and his wife Kim, Melody Steib and her husband Craig, Brandi McGee and her husband Aaron, Kate Rae, and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alex Rae; mother, Verlie Nichols Rae; and sister Mary Mae Hughes.  

Relatives are invited to attend visitation at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 100 W. Church Street, Hammond, LA 70401 on Saturday, May 27, 2017 from 1:00 pm until the funeral service at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, John requests that donations be made to the Grace Memorial Episcopal Foundation, 100 W. Church Street, Hammond, LA 70401.

To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.harrymckneely.com.