WILLIAM KLINE MCGEE, JR.
1943-2018
William Kline McGee, Jr. passed into the arms of the Lord on Monday, January 1, 2018.
Born on May 15, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, William Kline McGee, Jr., and his family moved to Houston when he was a young boy. “Bill,” as he was known by all, always considered himself to be a native Houstonian and was an active and contributing member of the Houston community. He attended Stanford University earning a degree in Economics in 1965 and The University of Texas at Austin earning an MBA in Finance in 1969. After graduating from Stanford in 1965, Bill served a year in Vietnam with the Army, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Silver Star Medal. After returning, Bill placed his Silver Star Medal on the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall stating that, “Others are more deserving of the medal than I.”
Having been well prepared for the financial world by Stanford University and UT, Bill began his career in 1969 with Fayez Sarofim & Co. and continued at the firm for 37 years, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President. He had admiration and respect for his co-workers and always remained grateful for the many opportunities given to him by the Company.
Outside his professional pursuits, Bill played a significant role in many charitable organizations. He served on the Texas Children’s Hospital Board from 1983 until 2011 when he moved to the Texas Children’s Hospital Advisory Board. Bill served as President of the Texas Children’s Hospital Board from 1987 through 1989, and as Chairman of the Board from 1992 through 1993. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Covenant House Texas Board, member of the Finance Committee of the Museum of Medical Science, and trustee of the Episcopal Foundation of Texas. He was an active and involved member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, serving as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and Reader, a member of the Vestry, a member of Saint Martin’s Endowment, and as a St. Martin’s Stewardship Chair. In 2010, he was awarded the St. Martin’s Star Award for outstanding leadership. Bill was also a member of the Adam Group Bible Study at St. Martin’s. He considered the men in the Adam Group to be some of his closest friends and was more than grateful for their prayers and support over the years of his illness.
A loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, Bill was devoted to God and family. “Willie,” as the grandchildren called him, will be greatly missed.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian Rose McGee and William Kline McGee and his son William Kline McGee III. He is survived by his wife, Flo Wells McGee; his son Thomas Wells McGee and wife Lindy Upton McGee; grandchildren, Elizabeth Rose McGee and William Wade McGee; and his son William Wells McGee and wife April Dunn McGee; granddaughter Amanda Claire McGee; and his sister, Susan McGee James and husband Dennis James; and his niece, Rebecca Davis.
The family wishes to offer sincere thanks for all the dear friends who continued visiting Bill throughout the years of his illness. Special thanks also go to Gladys Jones, Arletha Willis, Cecille Broussard, Toni Cambre, Grace Jacobs, Alfreedom Rice, Demetria Bogany, and Mel Page for the wonderful care given to him in his time of need.
A memorial service is to be conducted on 11:00am at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where The Rev. Russell Levenson is to officiate.
In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, contributions may be made to: Saint Martin’s Endowment, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056, or Texas Children’s Hospital, Office of Development, 1919 South Braeswood, Suite 5214, Houston, Texas 77030.