Joseph Thomas (J.T.) McGee

Joseph Thomas (J.T.) McGee, 83, died peacefully at home with his wife and family members by his side on August 10, 2010.

He was born March 26, 1927, in Greenville, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ada Jeffeaux, and his sisters, Doris Burns and Hazel McCurry.

J.T. is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Helen Kelley McGee, sons, DeVane (Mary) McGee of Springfield, MO, Ron (Norma) McGee, of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren Kelly (Chuck) Ball, Kevin (Robin) McGee, Bryan (Jennifer) McGee and Abbye (Don) Printy; 10 great grandchildren; sisters, Ollie (Larry) Welborn, and Hendel Huffstickler; Sisters-in-Law, Mildred Kelley Nelson and Ernestine Kelley (Don) Berklite, brother-in-law, James D. (Liisa) Kelly; special niece and nephew, Becky & Bob Swartz and Judy Kelly, who were wonderful caregivers to J.T. during his long illness and a host of other nieces, nephews.

J.T. was an active member of First Assembly of God and loved his church, the pastoral staff and congregation who were so thoughtful and caring during his long illness.

J.T. was Fire Marshall at International Paper Company for 16 years. He and his wife owned Panama Fire Equipment and Panama Fire Apparatus for over 40 years. When J.T. and Helen's home in Highland Park was destroyed in a fire in 1953, there was no fire department to serve rural areas in Bay County. After the fire, he helped organize the first volunteer fire departments in Bay County and the first fire truck in the county was built in his back yard. His passion to help rural communities have well equipped fire departments grew and in time, Panama Fire Apparatus provided affordable fire trucks to small communities across the U.S. and in several foreign countries.

J.T. loved his wife, family and his Lord. His kindness, compassion and strong faith impacted many people, especially among those in the medical field who cared for him over the last 13 years.

The family wants to thank Drs. Syed Gilani and Victor Ortega and the medical staffs at Bay Medical and Community Health and Rehabilitation for their faithful and compassionate care for J.T.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the First Assembly of God Church of Panama City. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 – 8 p.m. Those desiring may make donations to First Assembly of God Missions Program, 1701 N East Ave, Panama City, FL 32405.