Cloyce McKee

Cloyce J. McKee, 82, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 6, 1943, in Wilson, Oklahoma to William Henry and Willie O'Dell (Battles) McKee.

He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era, attaining the rank of Specialist Five (SP5). He was assigned to the Army Security Agency (ASA), where he supported U.S. military operations during a critical period of the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict. He was honorably discharged and carried lifelong pride in his service to his country.

After his military service, he found the love of his life, Carol, and together they began a new chapter filled with love and purpose. They married November 24, 1972. Cloyce joined Southwestern Bell and stayed with the company through its later transitions to AT&T and Lucent, building a successful career as an accountant.

A few years later, his family grew with the arrival of a son and daughter, giving him new people with whom to share his lifelong love of math. Following his retirement, he embraced his next and most cherished role, being Papa to his five grandchildren. Together with Carol, he provided full-time childcare for his grandchildren, teaching them respect, kindness and of course, all about mathematics.

In his free time, he enjoyed keeping up with world events and studying biblical history. He began writing a book focused on the Book of Daniel and was able to complete a draft before his passing.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather; a man of quiet strength; and someone who answered his nation's call and later dedicated his life to family, learning and faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Shirley Hefner, Lawana Stephenson and Nancy McKee; his brother, Montie McKee; and his granddaughter, Jordan McKee.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home; son, Steven and wife, Crystal, of Shawnee; daughter, Karen Gates and husband, Jason Clement, of Edmond; grandson, Keenan and wife, Leah, of Edmond; granddaughter Kensington and grandson Kenton, of Shawnee, granddaughter Kaylin and husband, Ben Wedding, of Phoenix, Arizona; and sister, Glenna Elkins of Englewood, Tennessee.

Viewing will be Thursday, January 29, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 30, 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Bethany with internment following at Bethany Cemetery.