Jesus said, “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
Dr. Ratha (Buddy) Doyle McGee, of Jonesborough, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014.
He was born in Vernon, Alabama on August 2, 1924. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Ellie McGee, five brothers and one sister.
He is survived by his wife Dr. Grace Sluss McGee; daughter, Dr. Marsha McGee and husband Jay Verette; son, Keith McGee and wife, Trish; granddaughter, Jennifer Paden; great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces; also his sister-in-law, Naomi S. Murry, her daughters, Caryn Murry, Dr. Deidre Pierce and great nieces and nephews, Arwen, John and Hannah were his second family whom he loved and valued.
He attended Jonesborough United Methodist Church. He greatly appreciated the acceptance he received from the worship and inspiring music provided by pianist, Doug Bennett, organist, John Durham and the choir under the direction of Dr. Sharon Rush.
He was a United States Army World War II Veteran.
Buddy was a lifelong learner and teacher. He was an ordained Methodist Minister, Counselor, Professor and a University Administrator. In his long career, he obtained six graduate degrees. Above all he loved people, his compassion and acceptance of others were his strength and joy. He traveled extensively and lived 13 years in Western Canada, helping native Canadians deal with spirituality, addiction, education and human rights.
He will be missed, but his spirit will dwell always in our hearts and minds. “May there be no moaning of the bar, when I set out to sea” Alfred Lord Tennyson
At his request, his body was donated to the Quillen College of Medicine at ETSU.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.