John Robert McGee was born on August 19, 1931 to Frank and Tezzie McGee of Fernbank, Ala.  He was a 1951 graduate of LCHS.  He was married to Mary Joyce Brown on October 15, 1952, and the two of them were happily married for 64 years.

John Robert joined the US Army in 1954, and during his 21 years of service to the country he loved, he proudly served in the Korean War, in Vietnam, Germany and numerous US posts.

After retirement in 1976, John Robert earned his ABA from Bevill State and held positions at the Sanford Co, Rebel Lumber Co, the US Postal Service, Terra First, and he was owner of the Bulldog Diner for several years.

John Robert stated that his greatest accomplishment in life was becoming a Christian, and that his greatest life goal was to raise a Christian family. He and his beloved wife, and later their children, were active in their local churches and communities wherever they lived.  He was an elder at the Vernon Church of Christ, which he felt was his greatest honor in life.

Camping and playing table games with family and friends was his favorite pleasure for many years.  In the past few years, he favored reading; but most of all, he enjoyed eating out at the local restaurants and having his morning coffee with the men of Vernon.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 1, at 11:00 AM, at the Vernon Church of Christ, with Eddie Finch and Mark McGuire officiating.  He will lie in state at the church 10:00-11:00, prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Furnace Hill.  Visitation will be Monday evening, 6:00-8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Richard Allen, Mark Collier, Dale McGee, Ryan McGee, Andy Robertson, and Chad Rogers.

John Robert is survived by one daughter, Portia Johnson; two sons, Dale (Sheryl) McGee, and Ricky (Sunshine) McGee; three grandchildren: Ashley Peebles (Daniel), Bryan McGee, and John Ross Johnson; one step-granddaughter, Heaven King; five great-grandchildren: Charley and Colin Peebles, Brodi and Braner McGee, and Jaxon Edington; one sister-in-law, Jean McGee; a host of nieces and nephews; four special ladies: Wanda McGee, Angie Matthews, Karen Marcum, Cindi Mosley; and many very special friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife; one sister, Ordelia McGee; one brother, Royal McGee; and one step-grandson, Steven King.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to World Evangelisms, c/o Jerry and Paula Bates, P.O. Box 72, Winona, MS 38967.