James Ray Mcgee

On Saturday, June 15, 2019, James Ray “Mac” McGee passed with peace and grace at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA following a brief battle with renal cancer.

Mac was born on January 21, 1961 in Batesville, AR to Jess and Laura Ruth McGee. He graduated from Southside High School, Batesville, AR in 1979, then attended Arkansas State University before joining the United States Armed Forces, serving his country in both Panama and Korea. On his return to the United States, Mac made Atlanta, GA his new home.

On September 25, 1999, he married Tracy Lynne Cowan and raised 2 beautiful daughters, Emily Jeanne and Lillabeth Laura.

Mac had a taste for the simple things in life. He enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. A noted intellect and voracious reader, Mac always enjoyed spirited debate and stimulating conversation.

Mac was preceded in death by his father and mother Jess and Laura Ruth (Meachum); maternal grandparents Hubert Eagle and Maude Ray Meachum; paternal grandparents William Moorefield and Dell McGee; uncle and aunt Hubert J. and Marion Ray Meachum.

He is survived by his wife Tracy Lynne (Cowan); daughters Emily Jeanne and Lillabeth Laura. Sister and brother-in-law Cindy (McGee) and Rick Polston. Nephews Matthew and Joshua Carpenter and step-nephew Kyle Polston, all of Batesville, AR. Also surviving are in-laws David and Jeanne Cowan of Goodyear, AZ; Rebecca Cowan and Bruce Kazmierczak of Cornelia, GA; Kelly Cowan and Marc Berman of Atlanta, GA.

The family would also like to offer special thanks to cousins Jeanie Meachum Mencer (Andy) of Little Rock, AR and Teresa Meachum (Ned Rockwell) of Idaho Falls, ID.

A celebration of Mac’s Life will be held in Lakemont, GA, Saturday, July 13 from 3-7 pm. Please e-mail jrmmcgee1@gmail.com for further information.

In addition, the family would like to thank everyone for the prayers offered during this difficult time. The love and support received has been a testament to Mac’s impact on people’s lives.