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John McAtee Obituary
His earthly family who will miss his smile, love, teasing, knowledge and help are his loving wife of 52 years: Dorothy Goff McAtee; two admiring sons: David Earl McAtee & wife Debbi of Tyler, TX and John Douglass McAtee & wife Jennifer of Frisco, TX; precious grandchildren: Chelsea & Brian Shock of Aztec, NM, Tara McAtee of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, Jessica & Chris Mills of San Antonio, TX, Kenneth Stuard of New York, NY, Kristen Padget, Dustin & Alissa Padget of Tyler, TX, Shalako & Bo Bradberry and Chance Means of Las Crusas, NM; great-grandchildren: Brennan & Bryson Shock, Kennedy Padget, and Kate & Elizabeth Mills: and "adopted" next door neighbor grandchild Hailey Geraci.
John was born January 7, 1933, the youngest of a family that had a total of nine children born to John David McAtee and Anna Coulter McAtee in Paraloma, AR. After graduation from Mineral Springs, AR, High School, he moved to Alice, TX, and began working for an oilfield service company, PGAC, in 1950. Interrupting his time with them, he served two years in the Army on a tour of duty that included in Korea. Returning to PGAC after the Army, he was transferred to Long Beach, CA, as an Electrical Logging Engineer. After a year and a half in California, Dresser Industries bought PGAC. John and his family were then transferred to Hobbs, NM, for thirteen years. He then became Area Engineer in Odessa, TX, and ended his career as District Manager of the Odessa Base of Dresser Atlas. John retired after 35 years of service in 1986. After retiring the first time, John went on to work nine years for Service Merchandise retiring again for the last time in 1996.
One of the greatest joys in John's life was serving his Lord. He was raised in a community in Arkansas, near Paraloma, that had one church building with Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians, each taking their turns on given specific Sundays. He and his folks attended all the services, but John chose the Baptist way of life. He has served in the First Baptist Church in Alice, TX, First Southern Baptist Church in Long Beach, CA, Taylor Memorial Baptist Church in Hobbs, NM, First Baptist Church in Midland, TX, (as head usher of the 8:30am service for 20 years), and First Baptist Church of Rockwall, TX. A faithful servant who had an encounter with the Holy Spirit in the hospital in 2004, that visibly changed his thinking, actions and being...he was never the same again, even though he had been saved many years before. Serving his Lord included being with people. After moving to Rockwall, John helped the men of his Adult VI Sunday School Class start meeting for coffee every Monday at McDonald's. They enjoyed it so much, that it grew to meeting on Wednesday's also. Some mornings there would be as many as 14 or more there. This seemed to fill a special spot in all of their lives.
A memorial celebration of John's life will be held 3:00pm, Sunday, November 23, 2008, at Rest Haven Funeral Home - Rockwall Chapel. It would be a blessing if in lieu of flowers, memorials were made to FBC Rockwall, "Extending the Vision" Building Program, 610 S. Goliad, Rockwall, TX 75087.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McAtee
6 Entries
Richard Eck
December 6, 2008
Dorothy and family-
I regret not visiting with John in the last few years, but thankfully, we know we'll be seeing each other again in a better place. John was a mentor to me when I moved to the Odessa base as a young, inexperienced manager many years ago. I have personally witnessed John disipline a young Operator in the morning, then turn around and loan him enough money to make it until payday in the afternoon. That's just the type of person he was, loyal to his employer, and compassionate to his employees.
Pat Howard
November 25, 2008
John was my training engineer for Dresser Atlas in Hobbs. He was a GREAT teacher and the best engineer I ever worked with. He has affected LOTS of people, not just those who knew him recently. I haven't worked with John since 1978, but saw him several times when you moved to Midland. My prayers are with the family; such a good Christian man; we all will rejoice with him in Heaven.
Doug Lunsford
November 25, 2008
I worked for John and then with John with dresser Atlas in Odessa. He took great care with all of us but I think with me especially. He tried to make sure I was a success when so many didn't care. I will remember him affectionately and owe him so much that I will pass that on.
Pat Altman
November 24, 2008
To the entire McAtee family,
I remember John well, he was the most friendly and caring associate at Service Merchandise ! He helped me with so many things and info, he was always concerned and asking about my family . I still would look for his little blue truck when I was around town, and he brought such joy to my life. A true and BETTER Christian gentleman than I had ever known ! May God be with your family and keep his loving arms around you is this difficult time. We will be praying for all of you, thanks for sharting him with so many, he for sure made a differance in the lives of many.... Pat Altman and Family
Donna Brownlee
November 24, 2008
Mrs. McAtee
I worked with your husband John for several years at Service Merchandise. He was a wonderful man and very inspiring to all who knew him. My deepest sympathys to you and your family. May God hold you all in his arms and comfort you.
Schrita City-Perkins
November 24, 2008
Mrs. McAtee I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God always bless you and your family always. You are the kindest, sweetest, most inspirational person I have ever known.
With Love always,
Schrita City-Perkins
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