July 6, 2021 will be forever remembered as the day the Rock of our Family passed from this Earth. William “Bill” McGee was more than a husband, father, grandfather or great-grandfather – he was the true pillar of his family and a legend among those who knew, loved and admired him.
Just 6 short years ago, Bill lost his beloved wife Carolyn and is now in her loving embrace with our precious Lord and Savior. Bill and Carolyn leave behind a loving and cherished family including daughters Vickie Allen (Dennis), Debbie McGee, Tammy Navarre (Jeff), and son Mike McGee who honor their parents thru the legacy they have created and continue to create through their children and grandchildren Adam Wolfe (Kellea), Ava Hunt (Bo), Brett Turner (Chelsea), Kayla Ambuehl (Seth), Tyler McGee, Meredith McGee, Will McGee, Caroline McGee, along with great grandchildren Lucas Hunt, Everly Hunt, AnaLea Wolfe, Savannah Turner and soon to arrive, our newest member, Kaden Ambuehl.
Bill’s journey - Born in Memphis, TN on July 22, 1937 as the only boy to his loving parents Velma & Andy McGee and 3 sisters Ruth, Lila and June, he was the apple of his parents’ eye. After graduating Tech High School and double dating with Elvis Presley, Bill went on to start his career path and exciting life journey. Following a successful career as a Flight Engineer in the US Air Force, Bill met his love, Carolyn.
After a quick and fiery courtship, they soon married and welcomed their four children. Bill began a career with the Memphis Police Dept (1960-1962), transitioning to the Memphis Fire Dept from which he retired after 23 years of service. But, retirement did not slow him down and his life went into overdrive spending his days in his garden, training his dogs (Jip1, Jude1, Jip2, Jude2, Jip3, Jude3, and Jude4), feeding his chickens, perfecting his landscaping, or herding his cattle while at night spending his time up on the podium spouting his unique, characteristic auctioneer chant and thrilling the weekly crowds with his enthusiasm and unforgettable presence. He was also a Master Mason. A true Man’s Man with a tender heart, Bill was widely admired by all who knew and loved him. His counsel and guidance were sought by many and he was a cherished father figure to many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family friends. He had an especially unique and close bond with his adored surviving sister June Medvec, nephews Fred "Bubba" Cohn and Neil Gustafson, and family friend, Bill Cash.
Bill, aka "Daddy," "Grendad," or “Teen Angel,” will always be remembered for his famous and loving lines. Before hanging up the phone, he could always be heard saying "If you need anything, Darlin’, just let me know,” or his often-uttered phrase “If you are good to mine – you are good to me.” Bill will be forever remembered as a faithful and devoted friend, strong and loving supporter of his family, and a proud man who left a legacy that will live on through the large family he leaves behind who will forever cherish his final words, “I'll see you in your dreams...”
