The Regents of The University of Michigan are deeply saddened to acknowledge the death of Wade H. McCree, Lewis M. Simes Professor of Law. Memorial services celebrating his life were held Thursday, September 3, 1987, at the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Detroit and Friday, September 4, 1987, at the Law School. Memories of his remarkable career and warm personal life were shared by countless friends and colleagues, and tributes were sent by many more. Lawyers, judges of courts at every level of the judicial hierarchy, executive officials including former President Carter, and other colleagues in the law or life were involved.

Professor McCree began his career in law after earning the A.B. degree in 1941 from Fisk Universiry and his J.D. degree in 1948 from Harvard, an LL.D. from The University of Michigan, and a Litt.D. from Centre College.

Not many years after beginning the practice of law, Professor McCree was appointed a judge of the Circuit Court for Wayne County, Michigan, in 1954. He served in that office until he was appointed United States District Judge in 1961, an office he held until 1966, when he was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In 1977 he resigned the Court of Appleals position to accept appointment as the Solicitor General of the United States. He served as Solicitor General throughout the term of President Carter and continued in office during the term of President Reagan. In all of these offices Professor McCree served with the highest distinction.

In 1981 Professor McCree became Lewis M. Simes Professor of Law at the Law School. His vast and rich experiences in the most important legal positions in our country thereafter were devoted to teaching his students in Constitutional Litigations, Trial Practice, Lawyers and Clients, and Constitutional Law for Foreign Students. Beyond his role as inspiring classroom teacher, he enriched the lives of everyone at the Law School as colleague to the faculty and counselor to students. He gave generously of his time, interest, and enthusiasm to all people. All were enriched and uplifted by his friendship, wise counsel, and personal example.

Professor McCree was part of the generation that brought Black lawyers into successful participation in all branches of the legal profession. His career and success as a Black lawyer were a vitally important part of that process, and added to his unique contributions to the Law School.

Family, friends, colleagues, students, and countless others will deeply miss and long remember Professor McCree. The University and the Law School have been fortunate indeed to have had him here, and to have formed an association that will continue to support our endeavors for years to come.