Barry Eugene McGee

ELM GROVE, LA - Barry Eugene McGee, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on October 17, 2015 while at home surrounded by his loved ones, after many years of illness. He was a lifelong Catholic and member of Christ the King Church of Bossier City. All services celebrating his rich and wonderful life will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home in Haughton, with visitation on Tuesday, October 20 from 5 – 7 pm, memorial service on Wednesday, October 21 at 3 pm officiated by son-in-law Allyn Stroud, Pastor of Doyline United Methodist Church, and interment immediately following the service.

The oldest of three siblings, Barry was born on March 9th, 1935 in West Monroe, Louisiana to Marvin Thomas and Margaret McEnery McGee. His family moved to Bossier City soon thereafter, and he remained a lifelong resident of Bossier Parish. He proudly served as President of the Bossier High School class of 1953, and attended Centenary College on a scholarship playing both baseball and basketball. He also served in the Louisiana Army National Guard. After working as sales manager for Southern Saw Company, the regional distributor for Poulan chain saws, Barry purchased the company and was owner and operator until retiring in 1994. Barry was a founding board member of First Security Bank of Haughton, a volunteer fireman in Haughton, an honorary member of the Haughton Future Farmers of America and a longtime board member of South Bossier Parish Fire District No. 2 of Elm Grove.

Barry was an avid outdoorsman and greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially duck hunting, until his health problems became too severe. He also enjoyed tending cattle on his farm in Haughton, and was never happier than when riding on his tractor, bushhogging and gardening. During his later years, he and wife Doleane hosted many class reunions for his fellow Bearcats at their home in Elm Grove. These festivities grew to include all Bossier High alums in addition to the class of ’53. Barry loved people and his unique personality drew people to him. He always had a smile on his face and was ready to lend a helping hand to anyone, anytime. His greatest love was family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ann Wynn McGee. Left to cherish his memory are wife Doleane Miller McGee of Elm Grove, former wife Martha Wynn McGee of Haughton, daughter Lea Beaty Stroud and husband Allyn, also of Haughton, son Barry E. “Buck” McGee, Jr. and wife Tina of Bossier City, sister Wanda McGee Crawford and husband Chuck of Rogers, AR, sisters-in-law Melinda Coonce of Many and Orinda Brunson of Winnfield, brother-in-law John Wayne Miller and wife Sandy of DeRidder, and aunt, Ruth McEnery Tanquary of Shreveport. He also adored and leaves behind four grandchildren and their spouses: Travis Beaty and wife Kristi, Lindsay Small and husband Justin, Christopher Beaty and wife Angela, and Barry E. “Trey” McGee, III and wife Samantha, and his six beloved great-grandchildren, Gus Beaty, Kylie and Addie Small, Brooks and Lainey Beaty, and Brodie Dean McGee, also all of Haughton. Last but not least Barry leaves behind his faithful companion, his beloved Boston Terrier, Poochie McGee.

Honoring Barry as pallbearers are Travis Beaty, Christopher Beaty, Trey McGee, Justin Small, John Ed Wynn, Gabe Crawford, Dylan Brunson, Jonathan Miller, John Wayne Miller, and Lynn Beaty. Honorary pallbearers are Willie Phillips, Carley Jones, Foster Campbell, Harlan Beene, James Pendarvis, John Henson, Skeet Hodgkins, John Keith and all of his former classmates and friends from Bossier High School.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Barry’s longtime internist Dr. Mark Alan Brown and cardiologist Dr. Russell Fileccia, as well as the caregivers of St. Joseph Hospice. In addition we would like to thank Barry’s special friend and caregiver, Harriel Lee Cole, whose beautiful voice brought much comfort to him.