W. Duncan McRae

W. Duncan McRae passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023 after a long, happy and successful life. Duncan was a native of Ft. Worth, Texas; born in 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Duncan McRae, Sr.

Duncan had good memories of his "hometown", including learning to drive in his grandparents PACKARD! He graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1948, attended Oklahoma University (Sig EP), served stateside during the Korean Conflict as a trained Medic, and graduated from Tulsa University in 1955.

He met his life's love, an American Airlines stewardess in 1953. Duncan and Fran married in 1954. He is survived by his wife, Fran McRae; children, Terri McRae of Shreveport and Bill McRae of Long Beach, CA; 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

After college, Duncan joined the Electric Typewriter division of IBM where he became a star salesman with all the "perks". The family moved to Dallas, then Houston while Duncan went from electric typewriters to small computers.

After six years with IBM he left to join his father's trucking business where he was able to use some of his experience developing computer programs that were helpful in the growth of Melton Truck Lines. Duncan became an active member of the trucking industry, serving on four state trucking organizations.  He became Chairman of the Louisiana Trucking Association and served as the state representative to the American Truck Association.

Duncan became the ATA Chairman in 1990. He sold the company in 1991 and retired to tennis, golf and family.

He served locally as President of the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission, and the Rotary Club of Shreveport, where he was a four time Paul Harris Fellow.

If ever there was a person who never met a stranger, it was Duncan McRae. Duncan and Fran traveled to over 30 countries during their life together, some 2 or 3 times, their favorites being New Zealand and Australia.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Scott McRight, Kelsey Darsi and the staff of Life Path Hospice, Sheldon Snow, Hope Edwards and the staff of Preferred Care at Home.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Grand, Sidney Kent, Gene Young and Duncan's surviving tennis, golf and trucking friends.

Burial will be in the Garden Columbarium. A memorial service for Duncan will be held at a later date at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, followed by a reception in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 275 Southfield Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana 71105 or the charity of your choice.