James McKee

J.C. McKee, 96, of Abilene, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at his home. Graveside services will be at held 3:30 pm on Sunday, May 26, 2013, in the McBee Cemetery. Rev. Louis Johnson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 pm, prior to the graveside, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. J.C. was born August 14, 1916 in the Merkel Community, the son of the late Jim and Lucy McKee. He grew up and graduated from school in Ovalo, Texas where he met and married Melba Cochran on July 4, 1937. During World War II, he served in the Merchant Marines and was a Ham radio operator. After the war he worked for Sears where he managed the service department until his retirement at the age of 55. He and Melba traveled extensively after his retirement. J.C. was a member of North Park Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Lucy McKee; his wife, Melba McKee; and one sister, Margaret Nelson. J.C. is survived by one sister, Lois Campbell; one son, Billy McKee and wife Jo Ann; one granddaughter, Lessa Wahlenmaier and husband Jim; two great-granddaughters, Dr. Lacey Clawson and husband James Clawson, Jr. and their daughter Aspen; Kandise Willingham and husband Chris and their daughters, Lilly Harbin, Tatum and son Ryder Willingham; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to North Park Baptist Church, 1525 Anson Ave., Abilene, TX 79601.