John McGee

John McGee was born on March 23, 1935, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to John M. and Mable McGhee.  John was one of 7 children born to this union.  An unfortunate tragedy caused John to lose both parents at the young age of twelve, and although his education was limited, he was able to turn that tragedy into triumph by working various odd jobs as he embarked upon his journey to manhood.

John relocated to West Memphis and then to St. Louis.  While in the Midwest, he eventually met Mildred L. Johnson in East St. Louis. After a brief stay, his uncle Willie Joe Sinks offered John a job at a factory in Chicago. The couple then relocated to Joliet, Illinois, in the late 1960s. They were joined in holy matrimony in April 1968.  To this union, three sons were born to complete this blended family. In 1972, John gave his life to the Lord and became a member of Prayer Tower C.O.G.I.C., where he sang in the choir and served on the usher board.  In 1986, John and Mildred’s love of travel eventually landed them in San Bernardino, California, where he worked for some time before returning to Illinois.

John’s career as a union truck driver and construction worker at P.T. Ferro was his most notable occupation, where he worked tirelessly and displayed his impeccable work ethic.  He believed in providing for his family to ensure them the life that he wasn’t provided.  When he was able, John enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he enjoyed a good laugh when he could convince unsuspecting individuals to taste and eat his latest hunt.  John enjoyed watching westerns and game shows, and anyone who knew him knows that he LOVED to get dressed up and make sure to make someone snap his picture.   

John transitioned from this life peacefully on Friday, Jul 18, 2025, at the age of ninety.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mable McGhee; siblings, Alice Owens, Clyde McGhee, Mary McGhee, Emella McGhee, Thomas McGhee, and James McGhee; son Ralph McGee; and grandchildren Willie McGee, Mera Gall, Rulon A. Carter, and Darryl Anthony Prince II.  He leaves to cherish his memory, Mildred McGee; sons, Bernard Carter (Sedalia, MO), Ken McGee (Austin, TX.), Quynten (Tiffany) McGee-Bey (Washington, DC), Darryl (Michelle) Prince, Torry (Felicia) McGee, Gary Carter, Gregory Young, and Alfred McGee, all of Joliet; daughters Edith (William) Barefield (Sedalia, MO.), Bernice McGee (West Rivers, AK), Tamara (Greg) Warren, and Shakyra McGee, both of Joliet; siblings Leon (Liz) McGhee, Elizabeth Jones, and Marge Hampton all of Ft. Wayne, IN, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

John was a beloved father, uncle, grandfather, brother, friend, and companion, and will truly be missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John McGee, please visit our floral store.