Dr. Derry David Magee

He was born on July 5, 1934 in New Orleans, LA to Marvin Mangum Magee and Mary Bridges Magee. Derry married Gwendora Wilkes Magee on October 11, 1952 at Mt. Hermon, LA. He graduated Mt. Hermon High School in 1952; received his pre-veterinary education at Louisiana State University and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in1958.

Upon graduation from Texas A&M, Derry opened a veterinary practice in Tangipahoa Parish, LA; first in Amite, LA and later in Kentwood, LA where he practiced for 32 years. In 1990, he joined the Large Animal and Medicine Department in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University serving as a Clinical Associate Professor for 17 years and serving as Staff Veterinarian for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. His life’s passion was veterinary medicine having set the goal to become a veterinarian at age 12. His life carried out the scripture found in Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” His 59 years as a practicing veterinarian were spent in finding ways to help farmers reach success in their operations and teaching and encouraging students at LSU and TAMU to reach their goals.

Derry enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. After retiring in 2007, he began researching and writing his family history and genealogy. He enjoyed reading, fishing, sports, and studying the Bible. Derry served as a deacon and Bible teacher at First Baptist Church of Kentwood, LA and First Baptist Church of College Station, TX. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Kentwood, LA. He was a recipient of the American Farmers Degree in FFA;-high school valedictorian;-Borden’s Award at LSU with highest GPA in the School of Agriculture; and graduated 7th in veterinary medicine class at Texas A&M with honors.

Derry is survived by his wife, Gwendora “Dora”, of 62 years; daughter, Juanita Magee Johnson and husband, Steven W. Johnson of Miami, FL.; grandchildren, Jennifer Jean Johnson, William Derry “Bill” Johnson and wife Kellye, and Ross Melvin Johnson; great-grandchildren, Mia Mckenzie Johnson, William Chase Johnson, and Berkley Tate Johnson. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Jane Fabre and husband Noland Fabre Jr.; nieces Melody Fabre Howes and Dr. Robin Fabre Ellison and husband Shad Ellison; nephew, Noland “Jody” Fabre III and wife Rebecca; great-nephews, John Howes and Joshua Ellison; and great-nieces, Lauren Ellison and Colleen Fabre.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Marvin Mangum Magee and Mary Bridges Magee; brother, Marvin Mangum Magee, Jr.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 6 at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station with Rev. Troy Allen officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. A second funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 9 at Line Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the church. Interment will follow at Line Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in memory of Dr. Magee be directed to the Dr. Derry Magee Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Texas A&M Foundation and mailed to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Attn: Dean’s Office, 4461 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4461.