Barney Mckee, Jr.

Barney McKee (1937-2018), age 80, died on April 10 of complications from pulmonary fibrosis.

Barney attended Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge and Louisiana State University, and earned a degree in graphic design from the American Academy of Art in Chicago.  He was the Production Manager at LSU Press, and later the Director of the University Press of Mississippi.  He and his wife Gwen founded Quail Ridge Press publishing company.

Barney was an avid sports fan, loving the LSU Tigers and the Boston Red Sox all his life. He loved golf, and played often with family and friends, and even his beloved dog, Sweetums.  He loved art, reading, traveling, and sketching people whenever he had a chance.

Barney had a major heart attack in 1998 and was a grateful recipient of a heart transplant in 2010.  He helped raise awareness of organ donation and believed everyone should be an organ donor.

Jules Barney McKee is survived by his wife of 58 years Gwen McLin McKee, two children Shawn McKee (wife Betsy) and Heather McKee Creel (husband Art); grandchildren Mercer Ann McKee Moon (husband Ryan), Patrick, Harrison, and Olivia McKee, and Corey, Nathan and Eva Creel; brother Larry McKee and sister Doris Bond.  He is preceded in death by son Jules Brian McKee, parents Jules Barney McKee, Sr. and Carrie Wilkins McKee, brother Raymond McKee, Sr., and sisters Lois McKee and Mary McKee Stockwell.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, April 15, at 2:00 pm at St. Peter’s by-the-Lake Church, 1954 Spillway Road, Brandon, Mississippi, with reception to follow at the McKee home at 158 Pine Ridge Circle, Brandon, Mississippi.

Donations may be made to Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) at msora.org.