Arnold Keith McKee, 83, a resident of Paris for fifty-four years, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Dubuis Hospital following a short illness.
Honoring his wishes, there will be no memorial service. The family will receive friends from 6 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21st, at Bright-Holland Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society or First Christian Church, 780 N. E. 20th St., Paris, TX 75460.
Born Nov. 27, 1930, in Edmond, OK, the youngest of four children born to Norman and Ola McKee. When he was eight years old his father died and the family moved to Texas to be near other family members. Later they moved to Commerce, Texas. His mother bought and ran a boarding house for male students attending college. He graduated high school there and attended East Texas College for two years before enlisting in the U. S. Air Force in 1949. His services consisted of two years in the Air Force and three years in the Air Force Reserve.
On Sept. 6, 1951, he married Maudie Hefley, whom he had met while they were attending college. Their life together in Sulphur Springs, Texas brought them a son, and while loving in Jacksonville, Texas twin sons. In 1960, the family moved to Paris and First Christian Church became their church home.
Keith was an avid Longhorn fan and enjoyed all sports. He coached Little League and American Legion Baseball and so loved seeing his sons and grandsons participate.
His career centered around the food business, including being a salesman for Swift & Company and Nabisco. In 1965, he bought his first of three grocery stores. Then in 1982, he and son Kent bought the Sunriser restaurant. A new restaurant was built in 1990 and also included son Brent with the restaurant known as McKee’s. He continued to be involved until 2013. Keith enjoyed being with people and valued the many friends made during these times.
Proceeding in death were his parents, his brothers, Adrin and Jack and sister, Mary Huffman of Houston, and a beloved grandson, Shannon.
He leaves to cherish precious memories his wife of 62 years, Maudie, sons, Greg & wife Barbara of Comanche, Kent & wife Gina of Paris and Brent and wife Tricia of Paris, granddaughters, Katrinia and husband James Clark and their son, Dalton of Greenville, Nicole and husband Robby Nichols and their son, Kasin of Rogersville, TN, and Dakota McKee of Paris, grandsons, Mitchel Anderson and Brion McKee of Paris.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.