Gene McCree

Douglas Gene McCree, MD passed away on July 9, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Gene was born in Orlando, FL on August 12, 1933, to William Allen and Novie McCree, hard working parents who shared their work ethic with him and taught him the importance of education and family values. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Libby, who passed away in June 2022, one day after their 67th wedding anniversary. Gene is survived by his children, Laura Lafitte (Ed) of Blue Ridge, GA, Linda Winner (Phillip Hutson) of Pensacola, FL, and Doug McCree (Pam) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Kristin Campos (Felix), Tiffany McCree, Chris McCree, Jim Lafitte, Joe Lafitte (Stephanie) and Samara Lafitte; great grandchildren, Connor and Cole Campos, Logan and Kenley Lafitte; brother Bert McCree (Marie) of Orlando, FL, many nieces and nephews, and last, but certainly not least, his beloved Maltese, Holly Berry.

As the youngest of eight children, Gene recognized and took seriously his responsibility to make the most of what he had been given, to work hard and become the best person he could be. Growing up, he answered this challenge in many ways, excelling in the classroom, rising through the scouting system to become an Eagle Scout, and working as a summer counselor for the Boy Scouts and YMCA. He graduated early from Orlando High School and obtained his undergraduate and medical degrees from Emory University. He then joined the U.S. Navy, where he did his internship and residency.

After retiring from the Navy in 1966, Gene moved his family to Florida, where he set up his private practice, becoming Naples' first OB-GYN, and delivering over 7,000 babies. As his own children can attest, he couldn't go anywhere in town without a grateful patient thanking him for the good care he had given in the delivery of a child or grandchild. He sometimes ran late with appointments because he didn't rush through office visits. But his patients in the waiting room didn't mind, as they knew they, too, would have his undivided attention, and the time needed.

The spirit of volunteerism Gene had embraced as a young man continued to motivate him throughout his lifetime. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Naples, teaching a Sunday school class for adults and serving as a member of the Session. He spent countless hours volunteering his time, medical expertise, and counseling experience to help others, offering pro bono services at local medical clinics. He served as medical director for Planned Parenthood of Collier County, and later volunteered his medical services for the Neighborhood Health Clinic. In more recent years, he could be counted on to pack boxes for Salvation Army's Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives. He truly loved helping people, and he relished the time he spent working with others and giving back to his community.

Gene loved life, and he lived it to the fullest, turning every opportunity into a learning or teaching experience. He was always on the go, making the most of every hour of his day. While driving, exercising, or walking Holly, he listened to audio tapes, whether for continuing professional education, learning something new, or just for pleasure. He loved boating, running on the beach, scuba diving, exercising at the gym, getting his 10,000 plus steps in each day, meeting his buddies for breakfast, photography, photo and video editing, and wood turning. He loved sharing, and encouraging others to embrace life and learning.

Of his many interests, travel was right up there at the top of the list. As a young man, husband and father, Gene traveled all over the United States, making many cross-country trips, first with his mother and niece, later with Libby and his young family, visiting as many National Parks as they could squeeze into the itinerary. What began as "roughing it" tent camping trips evolved into excursions outside the United States. As his kids became young adults, he gave them what would become some of the best memories with their dad, one-on-one trips to amazing destinations where they enjoyed shared passions for exploration, scuba diving, photography and underwater photography, camping and hiking. But his greatest travel adventures were those he shared with Libby, exploring Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia, and Africa. He loved meeting people of all cultures and appreciating the beauty of their worlds and the lives they led. After each trip, Gene spent countless hours at the computer editing his photos and videos to create a DVD of highlights complete with narration. These videos will continue to be a source of joy for his family.

Education played a role in everything Gene did. Trips were often based on the opportunity to travel with guides who were experts in their fields, giving him the opportunity to learn inside tips and tricks of the trade directly from the masters. Gene loved to share with others the skills and knowledge he acquired. He was the consummate student and teacher - a true life-long learner. His early education offered Gene a glimpse of a life with limitless opportunities! Throughout his lifetime, he believed education opened doors and provided a world of opportunity, not only for his own family, but for many others wanting to improve their lives.

The past year was not an easy one for Gene. Losing Libby was heartbreaking for him, as was the move to a skilled nursing facility, forcing him to part with not only his comfortable and familiar home, but with his beloved Holly Berry. Dementia complicated his other medical concerns. As a physician, he was aware of his worsening condition, but was accepting of his new limitations. He lived his entire life a "glass half full" man, and that optimism stayed with him to the end. He was content, he was at peace, and he was appreciative of family and friends who visited and kept in touch by phone and mail. Above all, he was grateful for the caregivers who showed him kindness, patience, and dignity.

Laura, Linda, and Doug would like to thank all of those whose love, support and care gave our father the best life possible in his last year - his team of caregivers, physicians, and nurses, including those with Avow Hospice, and his church and family friends whose visits brightened his day. During our visits, we spent time with Dad looking through photos and other memorabilia he'd collected over the years. We discovered that our dad had been a master at documenting the highlights of his younger years. Not only were there photos and other mementos displayed in hand-crafted wooden scrapbooks, but an amazing treasure - a notebook titled "The Book of Knowledge" that contained stories, poetry, song lyrics and musical compositions - all written by him - so many memories that he'd never shared with us. We've been told that Gene wooed Libby through his songs and poetry, and after looking through his writings, we think this might have been true! How lucky are we to have this wonderful way to remember our father.

On August 12th, Dr. Gene McCree would have turned 90. But the week before he died, he told his family that he wanted to be in heaven when he celebrated his birthday this year. He must have done something right to be granted this very special birthday wish! As he requested, there will be no public memorial service. Instead, the immediate family will gather privately to remember his extraordinary life. To honor and celebrate Gene's life, and to pay tribute to his commitment to volunteerism, the family welcomes donations, or gifts of service, to a favorite nonprofit group, or to one that was close to Gene's heart, including First Presbyterian Church of Naples, Avow Hospice, Salvation Army, Neighborhood Health Clinic, and Planned Parenthood.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/naples-fl/douglas-mccree-11364272