Clarence E McGee passed away peacefully at Shearer-Richardson Nursing Home in Okolona, Mississippi, on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the age of 85 after a brief illness.  He was born in Wayne County, TN, on April 17, 1938, to Rollie and Beulah McGee.

After an adventure-filled childhood, Clarence joined the US Army serving in Alaska.  They were stationed in Anchorage during the 1964 Alaska Earthquake after which Ruth and their first two sons, Duane and Roger, were evacuated while Clarence stayed to continue his duties.  After an honorable discharge, the family moved to Florence, Alabama, where Clarence began a career in the grocery business.  He worked at Winn-Dixie in Florence and later managed Piggly Wiggly stores in Grenada and Okolona MS with Ruth working as Customer Service Manager.  Both were mentors for their employees – always showing humility, kindness, and exceptional care for others.  Clarence and Ruth eventually opened McGee’s Main Street Food Mart in Okolona and it served as a gathering place for friends, family, and townspeople.  While Ruth was famous for her cooking, Clarence loved grilling, frying fish and hushpuppies, and made award-winning chili.

Clarence was the kind of man it felt good to be around.  A loyal Alabama Crimson Tide fan, Clarence taught his family how to say Roll Tide, that Bear Bryant was a national hero, and the value of a well-timed on-side kick.  He loved all types of music, playing horseshoes, fishing, especially at Okolona’s Rod and Gun Club, and, as his health declined, he journaled his everyday happenings and enjoyed coloring.

Blessed with an amazing sense of humor, he told tales taller than himself and had a kid-sized heart. The inventor of dad humor, he could often be found carrying a piece of wood stating, “I’m going to a board meeting”.  He would frequently stop his truck in the middle of the road and tell the grands that they had to stop to let the ants cross the road.  When his young grandson received a new bike one Christmas, Clarence eagerly took the ride made for a kid out for a spin.

Clarence is survived by three sons, Greg (Loralei) of Tupelo MS, Roger (Lori) of Charleston SC, and Duane (Donna) of Springfield MO; grandchildren: Nena, Lauren, Jacob, Logan, Ruth Ellen, and Georgia; great-grandchildren: Natalie, Kimberly and Remington; brothers: Robert, Glen (Francis), Dewey (Carolyn), and Gene (Lori); brother-in-law Phillip “Smitty” Smith, sister-in-law Fay Cromwell, brother-in-law Larry Roberson (Barbara), niece Cathy McGuffey (Jim); double-first cousin Francis May and her husband Ernest May, Jr, a lifelong friend.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Ruth Ann (Roberson) McGee, his parents; one brother and sister-in-law, David and Ellen McGee, and one sister Kathleen Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Guitars for Vets, 13400 Bishops Lane, Suite 120, Brookfield WI 53005, by calling 1-855-448-4376 or online at guitars4vets.org.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11:00 am and the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Williams Funeral Home of Florence, Alabama.  Burial will be at Antioch Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers are Chris McGee, Danny McGee, Ray McGee, Tim McGee, Mike Knox, and Brett Blevins.