Thomas Alexander "Buck" McGee

1937 - 2026

Thomas Alexander "Buck" McGee, 88, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Buck was born on February 22, 1937, in Portales, New Mexico, to John "Tommy" McGee and Belle McGee. After his parents' remarriages, Buck gained stepparents Weldon J. "Coxy" Cox and Nadine McGee. All preceded him in death.
Buck spent his early years attending various primary schools while living with his mother and stepfather, a career military officer. He attended Lovington High School in New Mexico for two years before enrolling at the New Mexico Military Institute, where he graduated. Buck continued his education with one semester at Texas Tech University, served three years in the United States Army, and ultimately earned his bachelor's degree in three years at Eastern New Mexico University.
As a young man, Buck worked as a ranch hand on the family ranch, an experience that shaped his lifelong love of the outdoors. After completing college, he was employed by the New Mexico Highway Department, later working with the Arizona Bureau of Indian Affairs, and ultimately spending more than 20 years in California with the Bureau of Land Management, from which he retired.
Buck lived most of his life in New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Colorado. He most recently lived in Texas, where he spent the last five years enjoying his youngest grandchildren.
Buck had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and adventure. His interests included hiking, climbing, snow-skiing, camping, fishing, sailing, biking, ATV riding, rollerblading, and travel. He was happiest in wide-open spaces and lived a life closely tied to the land.
Buck is survived by his wife of 34 years, Susie McGee; his son, Mark McGee; his daughter, Lisa McGee; his bonus son, Zeke Fortenberry (Natalie); his bonus daughter, Nikki Mabry; and his grandchildren that he loved dearly, Alexandria (Brendon), Brydon, Cambria, Daycia, Jack, and Luke. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy McGee (Cyrena), of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and his sister, Betty Price (Sid), of Elida, New Mexico, as well as many nieces and nephews. He shared a special bond with his niece, Deseree (Justin), and his great-niece and great-nephew, Caden and Addison.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his younger sister, Vicki Barnard; his younger brother, Johnny McGee; and his nephew, Sterlin Burney.
Services will be private. All donations please send to your local hospice in his honor.
Buck will be remembered for his steady presence, love of the outdoors, and a life marked by work, service, and family.