Johnnie Robert McGee

1917 - 2008

Johnnie R. McGee, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2008, at his home in Camarillo with his loving family by his side.

Johnnie was born Aug. 2, 1917, in Ardmore, Okla., to John and Bonnie McGee. He was one of nine children. Johnnie joined the United States Army in 1941 and served in World War II. During his years in the Army, he earned four Bronze Stars, one Bronze Arrowhead, Good Conduct medal, American Defense Service medal and the European-African Middle Eastern Ribbon. He was honorably discharge in 1945. It was in the 1942 that he met and married the love of his life, a nurse Evelyn Neubauer. Together they raised five children. In 1965 they relocated to Santa Paula, where they lived happily together until Evelyn's sudden passing in 1995. In 2003 Johnnie moved in with his daughter, Janet in Camarillo, where she cared for him for the past five years.

Johnnie dearly loved his family and especially cherished all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He truly treasured each and every one of them and he made them feel as they were the most special gift on earth. Even up to his last day here on earth, he loved to see them and hear them laugh and play. He was a man of great integrity and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to tell stories of the past as well as his great experiences throughout his life. With five children there were a lot of great stories to tell. He was a loving man and we are very grateful that he had a long life and passed away without suffering. He was a true hero to all of his family and we will truly miss him so much. His favorite pastime was to fish and watch sports.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his mother and father; eight siblings; wife, Evelyn McGee; and infant daughter Jo Anne.

He is survived by his children, J.R. McGee of Ventura, Jeanne Force (husband Kenneth) of Santa Paula, Tom McGee (wife Robin) of Newbirg, Ore., Janet Garmon of Camarillo and Wayne McGee (wife Jackie) of Grass Valley; grandchildren, Scott Price (wife Susan), Tim Force, Erin Dunehew (husband Jimmy), Stacy Price-Diaz (husband Mike), Tiffany Force (husband Michael), Courtney Force-Machaudo (husband Nick), Chuck Roper (wife Bobbi), Shawn Limon (husband Pancho) Braden McGee (wife Jenny), Danielle Julian (husband Daniel) and Rianna McGee; and several great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20 at Santa Paula Cemetery, with Pastor Bob Walpole officiating. He has not left our hearts he's just "gone fishing."

Arrangements are under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary; phone 805-525-3391.