Carly June McGee

Carlene “Carly” June McGee, age 21, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, after a brave and inspiring battle with cancer.

Born on March 16, 2004, in Columbia, Tennessee, Carly was the beloved daughter of April and Terry Prince. A 2022 graduate of Santa Fe Unit School, she shined both academically and athletically, especially in competition shooting, where she earned numerous individual trophies. Always a team player, Carly’s selflessness and sportsmanship set her apart as she found greater joy in her team’s success than in her own victories.

Carly worked as a dental assistant for Wilhite Dental and had dreams of growing her career in the dental field. Driven and kind-hearted, she approached everything she did with joy and determination.

She had a deep love for the outdoors, whether she was dove, duck, and turkey hunting, shooting, riding backroads in her Jeep while listening to music, or enjoying time near the lake or the ocean. She adored taking photos and was known for capturing the sweet moments of her life.

In 2024, Carly was honored as the Honorary Mule Day Queen, a title that reflected her radiant spirit and love for her community. Her heart was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. She treasured family gatherings and made sure no one ever felt left out. Perhaps one of her favorite roles was being “Aunt Bug” to her precious nephew and niece, Lawson and Lucy Kate, who brought her immense joy.

Carly was the kind of person who always thought of others first. Her sweetness, gentleness, and grace touched everyone she met. Most of all, she loved Jesus. A devoted follower of Christ, Carly read her Bible daily, lived out her faith in every action, and shared the love of Jesus with others. She was a faithful member of Williamsport Baptist Church, where she was baptized on May 22, 2016.

In addition to her loving parents, Carly is survived by her brother, Chancz (Lauren) McGee of Columbia, TN; her sister, Chantel Prince of Columbia, TN; her beloved nephew and niece, Lawson and Lucy Kate McGee; her grandmothers, Marvilyn Driver of Chapin, SC, and Rena Shifflett (Joseph Adamar) of Duck River, TN; bonus grandmother, Betty Pennington of Williamsport, TN, and her uncles and aunts, Stacy & Denise Solomon of Winchester, TN, and Tracy & Deanna Driver of Chapin, SC.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wanda and Willard McGee, Steve Shifflett, and her beloved Paw Paw, Paul Pennington.

A celebration of Carly’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Family Church, 2790 Pulaski Highway, Columbia, TN, with Rick Points, Alan Lancaster, and Mark Jones officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in the Williamsport Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, April 21, 2025, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home.

Those proudly serving as pallbearers will be Carly’s Santa Fe Sharpshooter teammates, Jacob Beard, Justin Beard, Mitch Brown, Anderson Clayborne, John Crutcher, Garrett Mills, Nathan Myers, and Jesse Sweeney. Honorary pallbearers will include the Maury County Gun Club, the team at Wilhite Dental, and all other family, friends, and supporters of Carly’s journey.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, a place that held deep meaning during Carly’s journey, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Pappo, Dr. Mikkelsen, Dr. Collins, and the entire St. Jude’s team, as well as Hospice Compassus, for the extraordinary care, love, and compassion shown to Carly during her courageous battle with cancer.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16