James Earl McKee, 88, of Sparta, passed away Jan. 10, 2021, at River Park Hospital, from complications of COVID-19.
Mr. McKee was born April 26, 1932, in Whitehead, Alabama, to Hollis Edward McKee and Gladys Earline Davis McKee.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama and ultimately ran the family business, a Shell Oil Company jobber, Alabama Oil and Gas Co., for over 30 years. He owned as many as 13 gas stations in the Upper Cumberland area, including the Dixie Food Marts, in Sparta.
Mr. McKee was a pilot and long-time board member of Upper Cumberland Regional Airport. When he wasn’t in the air, he loved spending time on Center Hill Lake and was a former owner of Sligo Marina. He was an animal lover, owning all types of animals - from his dog, Sam, to a zebra. On Saturdays, in the fall, he would watch his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide; on Sundays, he would be in the stands of Nissan Stadium where he was a charter PSL and season ticketholder of Tennessee Titans football.
Mr. McKee took great pride in his work, and it was evident by the hours of meticulous work spent in his yard.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Beth Waggoner, and a stepdaughter, Amy Russell.
Surviving family members include his wife of 34 years, Betty McKee, of Sparta; daughter, Vicki McClanahan and husband Steve, of Hermitage; stepdaughter, Laura Wynn and husband Josh, of Cape Corral, Florida; grandchildren, Kris Waggoner, Dain McClanahan, Alec McClanahan; and step-grandchildren, Dakota, Kendra, Jaida, and Zane.
In consideration of the health and safety of family and friends, a private graveside service was conducted 2 p.m., Jan. 14, 2021, at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, in Florence, Alabama. Roy Whited officiated.
Since private services were held, the family created a video to honor James and it can viewed by clicking here.
