Willis Mckee

SERVICES:  MONDAY, JULY 30, 20121:00 P. M. EAST PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST CHURCHVISITATION:  SUNDAY, JULY 29, 20124:00 - 7:00 MCCLAIN-HAYS FUNERAL HOMEINTERMENT:  EASTLAWN CEMETERYOFFICIATING:  REV. DWIGHT FAULKENBERY REV. MIKE SMITHEYREV. MARK CLOYSMr. McKee, 74, died Friday, July 27, 2012 from heart complications at his home in Philadelphia, Mississippi where he resided since the 1960s and raised his family. He was born on September 12, 1937 in Kemper County, Mississippi, son of Riley McKee and Geneva McKee. Willis was raised along side his two brothers the late Dewane McKee and his younger brother, Thomas McKee and worked at the family saw mill until graduating high school after which he attended the University of Southern Mississippi where, while working his way through a higher education, he was instrumental in planting the university’s famed rose garden. Through hard work and determination he ultimately earned his bachelors degree in education. After completing college, Willis taught high school in the Kemper County educational system where he also coached basketball.  Soon after college Willis also met and married the love of his life, Shirley with whom he shared his life for 53 years up until his death. Together Willis and Shirley raised three children, Tabitha, Alesia and Willis in a loving and nurturing household.  Along with his wife, Shirley, Willis grew and nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit and operated a local grocery business that ranged from IGA to Piggly Wiggly, as well as a successful pawn shop business and multiple real estate developments. During his life, Willis achieved many accomplishments.  An educator at the core, he believed that everyone deserved an education and leaned on his teaching skills to promote adult literacy and continued education. His real estate development skills led him to develop the first registered subdivision in Neshoba County, Eastwood’s place, developed the property beginning at M&S Furniture to Jerome Tanks on the south side of the street and developed the property from C&D to East Gate Plaza on the north side of the street as well as the property from Myrtle to Main to McClain-Hays Funeral Home. Willis paid service to his country as a National Guardsman where he was activated into service protecting civil rights during the integration at the University of Mississippi. He also served at Fort Knox and Fort Jackson. His impeccable leadership skills and his care for his community allowed him to serve on the Board of Directors at the Citizens Bank, the City Board, the Board of Directors of Allied Enterprises and the Board of Directors when Neshoba County General Hospital was built. Willis served as a Deacon at East Philadelphia Baptist Church in Philadelphia, MS.  He also used his gift as an educator by being a Sunday school teacher and youth leader.  He served on the Finance Committee during the construction of the current East Philadelphia Baptist Church and secured the property on which it was built.  In addition to serving God through his church, his commitment and love for God was unmistakable when in his presence. Willis is survived by his wife, Shirley McKee of Philadelphia, Tabitha Winstead of Philadelphia, Alesia Hays of Jackson, Willis McKee II of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Leigh Robertson of Philadelphia, Ashley Rentz of Starkville and Annalise Hays of Jackson; great-grandchild, Conner Robertson; step-grandchildren, Robert Austin Winstead, Jr. and Lauren Elizabeth Winstead and his brother, Tommy McKee of Philadelphia.   The McKee family would like to thank all of the family and friends that have been so compassionate and generous during this time of grief. Willis was a servant of God, his family and his community.  His contributions to all of us are immeasurable and indelible.