Obituaries

Paul Wilson McKee Jr., age 87 of the Oak Level Community, passed away on December 22, 2023 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA. Paul was born on October 7, 1936 in Christiansburg, VA and was the son of the late Paul Wilson McKee Sr. and the late Georgia Bryant-McKee.

Paul married Erma Young, the love of his life, on October 30th, 1954. Over their 69-year marriage, they built a strong and loving family. “Pop,” as he was known, was a steady figure throughout the years who always made it to as many events as possible for his children and grandchildren.

Paul worked as a Purchasing Agent for Stanley Furniture in Stanleytown, VA for 10 years and Pulaski Furniture for over 30 years. He was also a member of the Oak Level Baptist Church where he was a former Deacon and Sunday School teacher, the Bassett Kiwanis Club, the Reynolds Homestead’s College for Older Adults Hiking Club, and was a charter member of the Stanleytown Ruritans Club. Paul enjoyed fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and horseback riding.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his stepmother, Jane McKee, sister Shirley McKee, brother Phillip McKee, and his grandson Richard Hardin.

He is survived by his wife, Erma Young McKee, and six children, Paul “Pete” McKee III (Marlyn) Mark McKee (Sherry), Dale McKee (Janice), Mary Beth Goodin (Leon), Dora Faye “Dodie” McKee (Gail), and Ryan McKee (Alison). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jill McElhannon, Erik McKee (Katie), Paul “Will” McKee IV (Hiroe), Darren McKee (Kaitlyn), Linsi Goodin, Henry McKee, and Jonah McKee. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Cameron McKee, Cooper McKee, Shay McKee, Paul “Pauly” McKee V, Landyn McKee, and Rock “Rocky” McKee. He is also survived by his brother Charles McKee (Karen).

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Hwy, Bassett, Virginia. Burial will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date pending arrival of family out of country. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Bassett Kiwanis Club or a charity of your choice.