of West Helena,
April 2, 1944 - March 15, 2020
Lonnie Michael McGee, 75, of Helena, AR, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 15, 2020. He was born on April 2, 1944 in Lincoln County, MS, to Lonnie B. McGee, Jr. and Dorothy Elaine Foster McGee.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather Hardy Wallace Dunlap; his grandparents, William Joseph Foster & Lessie Guess Foster of Brookhaven, MS and Lonnie B. McGee, Sr. & Georgia McGee of Pope, MS.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Weida Fay Laird McGee; his sons Carson McGee (Rhonda McGee) and Michael McGee (Eddie Plunk); his two grandsons, Dylan and Bryce McGee, their mother, Brandy McGee; and his three brothers, Tom McGee (Mary McGee) of Severn, MD, Percy McGee of Oklahoma City, OK, and Alex McGee of Cleveland, OK.
Mike was a graduate of Enterprise High School in Lincoln County, MS and enjoyed target shooting, spending time with his sons by deer hunting and fishing with them, especially on Storm Creek Lake.
At the time of Mike's birth, his father was serving as a flight officer overseas in World War 2 and have been reported as a Prisoner of War, and held captive in German Stalag 3.
Mike and Weida met in 1964 and married in January of 1965. They were planning to marry one week later, but Mike's stepfather Hardy encouraged them to elope. Weida said she would only marry if her parents were present. Everyone arrived at the home of Mike's parents, and his mother, a telephone operator, left work early to attend, while Hardy cleaned the house by hiding things in the kitchen. Their wedding photo was taken in the living room.
Mike's uncle, who many referred to as Mac or Bub, moved to Helena, AR, and called his nephew to tell him to bring his new wife and move to Helena. Mac was the dealership manager at Tom Choate Ford and knew there was a job opening as a radio dispatcher, on the midnight shift at the police department. Mike worked his way up through the police department from radio dispatcher until retiring as Assistant Chief. During his time at the police department, he was most proud of pioneering workshops for ladies safety and handgun training. He then worked for 10 years at the Phillips county jail before retiring as the Jail Director. As he was promoted though the ranks, he was most well known as Captain or Captain Mike.
In 2000 and 2006, Mike and Weida became grandparents to Dylan and Bryce. Mike and Weida became known as ''Dylan and Byrce's grandparents.'' Mike and Weida enjoyed many athletic and spelling bee events watching their grandsons grow.
In 2015, Mike and Weida celebrated 50 years together with a reception at the St. Mary's Parrish Hall surrounded by many friends and family.
Visitation will be held at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, 123 Columbia, Helena, AR, on Saturday, March 21, 2020, from 10 AM to 11 AM, with a Funeral Mass immediately following. Interment will be private. Honorary Pallbearers will be Sheriff Neal Byrd, Lee Roy Davis, John Purcell, Sammy Brocato, Robert Murry, and Jason Webster. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorial donations be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church.
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18 Condolence(s)
Cheryl morrison
Monday, November 7, 2022
I will never for the GREAT MIKE whom I adored and respected. I met MIKE in 1990 where he worked for many years. What a great man he was, not just to me but to all that knew him. Over the many many miles away I’m sending my love, care, and prayers to MIKES FAMILY. God bless all of u! Rest in HEAVEN MIKE. Forever and always, missing u!
ROBERT LEARY
Friday, June 3, 2022
SORRY TO SEE MIKE HAS PASSED. BEEN A LONG TIME. PRAYERS FOR FAMILY.
Mike Ross
Sunday, March 29, 2020
To the family so sorry to hear of your lost. When I thank of Mike and all of you it takes me back to Spruce St and all years spent there. The friendships made there last a life time.just wanted to let you know I was thinking of Mike and you all.
jim mayer
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Mike was a special gentleman a devoted family man and dedicated law officer and great friend to all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim, Diane,Marla ,Caren & Adam Mayer
Marjie Drewry Hamilton
Friday, March 20, 2020
Mike,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My prayers are with you and your family.
Tommy D MCGEE
Friday, March 20, 2020
I will miss our phone calls we have been separated in miles but close in blood. I wish we had lived closer together but we always seemed to catch up during our phone calls. Love you and miss you. Tommy McGee I will try and to stay close to the Boys
Chaz Fowler
Friday, March 20, 2020
It's difficult when someone
Who is loved cannot be there
But memories that are made and shared
Will keep a loved one near.
And G*d, with loving wisdom,
Will be there to guide us through;
He'll help us meet tomorrow
And He'll give us strength anew.
Our hearts aches for the McGee family. We wanted you to know that we are keeping all of you in our thoughts during this time.
Alex Mcgee
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Rest in peace for you are in a better place big brother 🙠love you
Kathy Ragsdale
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Carson & Family
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad...My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time..
Ricky Tinsley and family
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Sorry for your loss.
He was a great man and a wonderful customer.
Missy Ishmael
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Miss Weida, Michael, Carson and family,
I am so very sorry for loss of Mr. Mike. I never remember a time we were not neighbors. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynette Burt Murphy
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Carson and Michael,
I am so sorry to see the loss of your Dad. You and your families are all in my thoughts and prayers.
PERCY L MCGEE
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
So sorry to hear about my brother Mike. Mike and I shared a pride and interest in our fathers war history. We always talked about WW2 and aircraft. Mike will be missed.
My love and prayers goes out to all of the family
Liz Evans
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Michael and Carson so very sorry of the loss of your dad. Love you two.
Aunt Liz
Laurie McLendon
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Weida & family:
I am so very sorry to hear about Mike’s death.
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Laurie Smith McLendon
Bill Williams
Monday, March 16, 2020
Louise and I were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike was always a fun guy to be around at deer camp. We all had a lot of fun spending time telling hunting stories and talking about things in Helena and Marvell . Mike will never be forgotten he will always be remembered for his stories. We miss you Mike! Love to all the family and our prayers are with you. Bill and Louise Williams
Tammy Bradley
Monday, March 16, 2020
Jacky and I were sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jacky & Tammy Bradley
Tammy Bradley
Monday, March 16, 2020
Jacky and I were sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jacky & Tammy Bradley