Paul Hillard McKee

Paul Hillard McKee, 82, of Berry Loop, Valdese, NC died Thursday, January 4, 2007 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born December 27, 1924 in Cleveland County, NC, and was a son of the late Horace S. and Ruth Grigg McKee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn McKee. Hillard was a charter member of United Baptist Church and retired from Carolina Freight in May of 1985. He loved bass fishing, vegetable gardening, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Colene Rector McKee of the home; a son, Greg McKee of Raleigh, NC; a daughter, Deb Taylor and husband, Guy, of Drexel; brothers, Roger McKee of Boonville, NC and Gene McKee and wife, Helen, of Shelby, NC; a sister, Mary Ellen Wellmon of Shelby; brothers-in-law, David Rector and wife, Libby, of Valdese, and Paul Ed Causby of Morganton; a sister-in-law, Nita Rector of Valdese; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, January 6, 2007 at United Baptist Church with Chaplain Greg McKee officiating and Rev. Avery Owenby assisting. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 4224 Berry Loop, Valdese. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Baptist Church Building Fund, 2638 Messer Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family.