R. L. (Hopper) McGee, a respected resident of Ardmore, Okla., former resident of Bryan County, and beloved family member, passed away in Ardmore on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019 at the age of 79. He was born in Albany, Okla. to Oscar Claude McGee and Laura (Lynn) McGee on July 14, 1939. Hopper married Aretta Sue Metcalf in Albany, Okla. on Dec. 23, 1960.
Hopper dedicated his life to farming and ranching, living in Bryan and Carter counties during his lifetime. He enjoyed passing his legacy to his children and grandchildren by helping them at stock shows whenever possible. Hopper believed in being involved in his community and was a member of the Bryan County Antique Tractor and the Murray County Antique Tractor and Implement Association. He was extremely proud of his family, taking great pride in his grandchildren, and great-grandson. Hopper was a member of the Albany Baptist Church.
Mr. McGee is survived by his children; son, Terry McGee and wife Rita of Ardmore, Okla. and daughter, Nancy McGee of Ardmore, Okla.; grandson, Justin McGee and wife Shiloh of Ardmore, Okla.; granddaughter, Christy Marsh and husband Jarrod of Wilson, Okla.; great-grandson, Cody Marsh of Wilson, Okla.; sister, Imogene Wilson of Albany, Okla.; sister-in-law, Mary England and husband Dan of Durant, Okla.; numerous nieces and nephews; he is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Mr. McGee was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Aretta Sue Metcalf McGee; son, Roy Earnest McGee; parent-in-laws, Earl and Fay Metcalf; siblings, Rufene Adams, W. A. McGee, and Willard McGee.
The family respectfully request that memorials be made in Hopper’s name to the Cross Timbers Hospice, 207 C St. NW, Ardmore, Okla. 73401 or the Bryan County Antique Tractor and the Murray County Antique Tractor and Implement Association College Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1051, Sulphur, Okla. 73086.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10 at the Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla. A celebration of his life will be at 10 a.m. Friday Jan. 11 at the Clay Jones Community Building, 1901 S. Ninth Ave., Durant, Okla. with Bro. Donny Custar officiating.
Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery with Cody Marsh, Jarrod Marsh, Justin McGee, Ray Wilson, Curtis Henderson, Johnny Graham, and Stuart England serving as pallbearers. The honorary pallbearers will be Jim McGee, Glenn Wilson, Dusty Henderson, Dan England, Butch Adams, and Bennie McGill.
Services are under the direction of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla. Family and friends are invited to go to our web page and leave messages of condolences at www.holmescoffeymurray.com
