Walter Rowland McKee

1931 - 2018

Walter Rowland McKee, 87, resident of the Three Forks Community and lifelong resident of Benton & Tippah Counties, passed away Thursday evening April 19, 2018 at the Mississippi Care Center in Corinth following an extended illness.

Funeral Services honoring the life of Mr. McKee will be at 2 PM Saturday April 21 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Cameron Hutchins officiating. He will be assisted by a nephew, Bro. Steve McKee and Personal Reflections will be given by Bro. Butch Weatherly and a nephew, Bro. Stacy McKee.

Born February 28, 1931 in Benton County, he was the oldest of nine children born to the late Steve and Lillian Akins McKee. Mr. McKee received his education in the Benton County School System and was married October 5, 1957 to his beloved wife, the former Annie Ruth Britt who preceded him in death on May 6, 2006.

In earlier years, Mr. McKee was employed by the McGregor and Bilt-Rite Corporations. He later served as a valued employee for the Tippah County First District Supervisor for 25 years before his retirement.

A Christian , Mr. McKee had been involved with Marlow Church of Christ for more that 45 years. He enjoyed the friendships of many and nothing pleased Mr. McKee more than fellowshipping and preparing food for his large family and friends. His Sunday morning ritual as long as health permitted was cooking his famous breakfast for anyone and everyone. Mr. McKee will be remembered for his love of Elvis Presley music , John Wayne movies and in earlier years, quail hunting.

Visitation for family and friends will continue today until service time at The Ripley Funeral Home.

Blessed with a large family those left to treasure his memory include his children, Sandra Meeks of Corinth, Hugh McKee (Jennifer) of Middleton, TN and Jennifer Hopper (Timmy) of Tiplersville, four sisters, Emma Lou Ray and Mary Alice Stanton (Frank), both of Falkner, Annette Brotherton (Kenneth) of Byhalia and Martha Jones of Southaven, four grandchildren, Kevin and Matt Vick, Newt and Natalie Hopper and four great grandchildren, Gage, Skyler, Emily and Kenzlee Vick.

He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Joyce Cox and Margie Rainey, two brothers, R.L. and Charles McKee, a son in law, Frank Meeks, four half sisters, Gracie Lane, Sally Etta Hayes, Lenora James and Ina Kimery and five half brothers, Wendell, Woodrow, Palmer, Robert Earl and Blanchard McKee.

The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the McKee family at www.ripleyfuneralhome.com