Gregory Anthony McKee

Gregory Anthony McKee was an ever-evolving entrepreneur who always cherished his family. He lived and worked in Hokes Bluff, Alabama since his birth by Robert and Ideal McKee. He died of a stroke January 7, 2023 at Grandview Medical Center in the arms of his loving family.
Greg was born October 18, 1954 in Etowah County, Alabama to his father who was a long-term employee of Goodyear and an Ordained Methodist Minister. His mother was a devoted homemaker. Greg's formative years were spent in Hokes Bluff with strong family and religious beliefs instilled by his parents. He was raised alongside his brother, James McKee and sister, Barbara McKee. Greg enjoyed fast cars and dirt bikes as a youth, and later joined the Suzuki motocross team.
He attended Hokes Bluff High School where he met the love of his life, Janet Yates. Greg often enjoyed retelling the story of locking eyes with his future lifetime partner Janet while attending Hokes Bluff High School. Greg and Janet were wed by his father Robert in the family living room on August 16, 1974. Following their wedding, Janet finished her senior year of high school in Hokes Bluff and Greg went on to work in construction specifically to practice drywall while being mentored by his father-in-law, Carl Yates. Greg enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending the weekends on Coosa River in the jet boat while barefoot skiing. Him and Janet loved wasting away the day on the river floating with friends and family. He even participated in many suicide ski races.
Greg then worked at the local Goodyear plant until 1982, followed by founding businesses in computers and solar energy. Greg traveled the country with his wife and daughters, and enjoyed immersing himself in the culture of each destination he visited.
Following Greg's travels, he began preaching in multiple area churches. He enjoyed spreading the word of Christ and holding fellowship with many dear friends along the way. Greg volunteered for Carpenters for Christ that was founded for on-mission Christians to demonstrate their faith through work and service in assisting churches to build new buildings that would further the Kingdom of God. He later tried out for and was accepted by the professional football team the Alabama Raiders, where he played Outside Linebacker during the 1991-1993 seasons. Greg's mother Ideal was diagnosed with colon cancer, and he was a very active member of her care. This led him to pursue a career in medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It was during this time he also sought and completed master's degrees in Science, Arts, and Molecular Biology. He received awards in Recognition of Outstanding Scholastic Achievement and Excellence and Outstanding Returning Adult Master's Student in Health Studies Award. Greg was also a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society. During medical school, Greg spent 3 years in cancer research at UAB and devised an experimental protocol called multi-beam intensity-modulated radiation therapy. He also devised an experimental medication protocol incorporating glucose intake into cancer cells. Greg stayed within the top 3% of his medical school class during his years at UAB and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He was always learning and famously remarked as saying, 'I'll sleep when I'm dead'.
After medical school, Greg continued to foster his practical side with numerous remodeling projects. Countless hours were spent assisting others with their emotional and health needs. He helped people navigate health choices as a patient navigator. Quality time with his young grandchildren became a central focus of his life. Evenings were often spent aside his lovely wife by a fire pit, and he also enjoyed watching and feeding birds on the McKee homestead. Dedication to family and strong religious ties were of the utmost importance to him.
Greg is survived by his wife Janet McKee (Yates) of 49 years; daughters, Lorie and Miranda, brother, James McKee and sister Barbara Stroud, grandchildren, Alexis Anderson and Liam Anderson, nieces and nephews, Timothy Mckee, Tamara McKee, Susan McKee, Eric Stroud, Mark Stroud, Robby Stroud, Kim Stroud Taylor and Junior Stroud.
Greg is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lawson and Ideal Marie Ford McKee.
The family will receive friends Saturday at Glencoe Hokes Bluff Funeral Home from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
A celebration of life in Greg's honor will be held at 3pm on Saturday January 14, 2023 at New Bethel Church in Hokes Bluff, Alabama.