Funeral services for James “Big Dawg” McKee, 67, of Athens are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens with Bro. Tony Romans officiating.
James passed away November 16, 2017, in Athens, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
James William McKee was born September 14, 1950 the son of William James McKee and Jane Brooks McKee. He was known as a hard-working man and the giver of the biggest hug you’d ever receive. He owned and operated Jim’s Tires in Athens for many years before his retirement, as well as laying flooring all over the county. He was a huge sports fan who played fantasy football, was in a bowling league with his brother Kevin and his sister Janet. One of his greatest joys was being out at Country Oaks golf course surrounded by his buddies. Papa enjoyed spending time with his family; cooking out and watching sports. He especially enjoyed watching Paiton’s soccer games and he was certainly her greatest and loudest fan. He was a loving husband, father, son, grandfather and brother who will be greatly missed by all he knew.
He was preceded in death by his father William McKee, his Father-in-law Raymond Eaton and Brother-in-law Wayne Cook.
He is survived by his loving wife of over thirty-one years, Lisa Eaton McKee of Athens; six children, Robert Schmalz and wife Jennifer of Marble Falls, Jennifer Peacher of Des Moines, Iowa, Heather Brewer of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Christopher Boosheri and wife Laela of Dallas, Tricia Rae Johnson of Athens, Jamie McKee of Carrollton; his mother Jane McKee of Tyler; four siblings, Janet Cook of Tyler, Kevin McKee of Tyler, David McKee and wife Robin of Whitehouse, Greg McKee of Tyler; twelve grandchildren, Paiton, Scarlett, Autumn, Summer, Wayne, Mary, Mason, Krista, Landon, Tyler, Travis, Nick; numerous great grandchildren and special friends, Kyle Johnson, Nacho Fuentes, Cory Penrod, Cory Wilson and his Sunday Golfing Buddies.
Visitation will be prior to the service on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, from 6-7 p.m. at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.
You may light a memorial candle or write condolences to the family at www.hannigansmith.com