R. L. (Roy Leon) McKee, age 78, passed away at home on Sunday, March 25, 2018. He was born Friday, October 27, 1939 in Benton County, Mississippi and lived most of his life in Walnut, MS.
R.L. was an avid fisherman and was never happier than when he was fishing with his sons, grandsons or friends. He spent much time earlier in his life training and riding horses, fox hunting and playing softball. He sang Southern Gospel music with The Disciples Quartet. They traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio and Nashville, TN where they recorded two albums.
R. L. loved attending church and was an ordained Deacon. He was a member of The First Baptist Church of Pocahontas, TN. He worked many years at Reichold Chemicals in Grand Junction and retired from Glasteel, Inc. in Collierville.
R. L. is survived by his wife Frances Kennamore McKee. Survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Nancy Mauney and David of Paris, TN, Donna Benefield and Jeff of Mooreville, MS; two sons and their wives, Steve McKee and Kerry of Walnut, MS, Stacy McKee and Michelle of Ripley, MS; eight grandchildren, Cole (Megan) and Jacob Benefield, Kaylyn, Alyssa, Tyler, Cody, Bryce and Ayden McKee. Mr. McKee is also survived by his stepsons and their wives, Jeff and Amanda Kennamore of Middleton, Keith and Donna Kennamore of Russelville, AR and Mike Kennamore of Middleton; his stepdaughter and her husband, Dana and Mark Sullivan of Middleton; stepgrandchildren, C.J., Josh, Alana, Katie, Eli, Charliegh and Emmaleigh Kennamore, Brooke (Graydon) Graddy, Chelsea Davis and Laken Knight; one step great grandchild, Harmyn Grace Graddy.
R. L. was a happy member of a very large family. He is survived by two brothers, Walter and Charles McKee and four sisters, Emma Lou Ray, Mary Alice McKee, Martha Jones and Annette Brotherton.
He was preceded by his wife of 48 years, Lily Virginia (Gen) McKee, his parents, Steve and Lillian Akin McKee, his granddaughter, Kimberly Iris Mauney; sisters, Joyce Cox and Margie Rainey; 9 half brothers and sisters, Gracie Lane, Sally Etta Hayes, Lenora Janes, Ina Kimery, Robert Earl, Blanchard, Wendell, Palmer and Woodrow McKee.