Willie Lee McGee

On July 9th, 2017 at 11:45 p.m., God whispered to Willie McGee, come with me, and our hearts were broken as we watched him cross over into eternal rest. Willie Lee McGee was born on July 1, 1935 to the union of Leroy McGee and Pinky Parchman-McGee in Raymond, Mississippi. Five children were born to Leroy and Pinky, Leroy McGee, Jr., Zeal McGee, Berniece McGee, and Daisy McGee. Willie attended local schools in Jackson, Mississippi until the sixth grade, when Willie stopped school to work the cotton fields to make money for his family.

In 1950, Willie's girlfriend Rosemary had a brother who worked at the local Texaco gas station detailing cars. After a long night of boozing, Rosemary's brother failed to show up for work. The Texaco owner, Frank, asked Willie a question that changed his life forever, "Can you do this?" in reference to detailing cars. Willie said, "I think so." Frank handed Willie a buffer and began teaching him how to detail cars. When Willie messed up, Frank called Willie a dumb stupid n*****. Hurt by Frank's words, Willie would go to the "Colored Only" bathroom and sit on the toilet and cry. When Willie came out of the bathroom, Frank told Willie, "I know you think I'm hard, but this is something no one can take from you."

In 1951, at the age of 16, Willie mastered the skill of auto detailing, and in 1953, with a trade no one could take, Willie hitchhiked from Jackson, Mississippi, to Visalia, California, with only $6.72 in his pocket.

After his arrival in Visalia, Willie took a job working at a liquor store. Having no place to live, the store owner allowed Willie to live in the back of the store. Willie took a second job at a car wash to make extra money so he could get on his feet. In 1953 Willie Moved to Merced, CA and worked for John Roth Chevrolet from 1956 to 1978. In 1978, Willie opened one of Merced's longest African American owned businesses, Willie's Detail Shop.

In 1986, Willie met Bobbie Jean Harris, and in 1987, under the leadership of the late Bishop Arthur Johnson, of Bethesda Apostolic Church, Willie & Bobbie were married. In 1988, Willie closed the detail shop and went to work for Isenberg Motors. In 1989, Willie began detailing for Russell McGary at Western Motors. In 1999, Willie retired from Western Motors and took a part time job with Jack Mobley at Service Masters Cleaning Company. It was there Willie earned the nickname "Willie the Knife". In 2010 Willie would retire again after 10 years with Service Masters.

Willie was never a man to sit around and do nothing. If his hands found something to do he did it. From deacon at Ephesus Apostolic Church, to usher at Apostolic Tabernacle, Willie was always willing to serve. Willie enjoyed life and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. Whether it was fishing, gardening, cooking, or working around the church, Willie had fun doing it and made you laugh along the way. Willie was proud of all the children he raised, and always showed his support. He loved his wife Bobbie and would do anything for her.

Willie was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Leroy McGee, Pinky McGee, his sisters, Berniece Warner, Daisy Moore, and brothers, Leroy McGee, Jr., and Zeal McGee. Willie leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 30 years, Bobbie McGee; sons Anthony R. Anderson, Sr., De'Ron Barnes, Alex Robinson, all of Merced,CA., Sidney Givens of Fairfield, CA., one daughter, Bridgette Morris also of Merced, CA. 25 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Willie also leaves to cherish his memory a host of family in Mississippi, whom he loved dearly and many friends.

Viewing will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral service and Celebration of Life will be held at the Apostolic Tabernacle, UPC of Merced on August 1, 2017 at 12 p.m. Pastor Sam Emory, officiating.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.