Charlie R. McKee

Charlie R. McKee (65) passed away on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022, in Charleston, South Carolina. He bravely battled an unexpected illness for more than two weeks which began shortly after he and his wife arrived to Surfside Beach for a stay at their condo.

Charlie was born in Chillicothe, Ohio on October 7, 1957, to the late (Joseph) Gary McKee and the late Judith Ann (Zickafoose) McKee.  On June 18th, 1976, Charlie married the love of his life and forever girlfriend, Lachona (Pierce) McKee, who survives. 

Also surviving are his two children, Alison (McKee) Smith (Michael Furnier) and Adam McKee (David Hess); two grandchildren, Luke Smith and Addison Smith; two brothers, Gary (Lisa) McKee and Ryan (Rhonda) Payne; one sister, Trudi (Skeeter) Bothman; two sisters-in-law, Donna Mark and Tanya (John) Dennewitz);  four brothers-in-law, Rudy (Laura) Pierce, Rex (Sharon) Pierce, Bruce Pierce, and Troy Pierce (Loralee Smith); one uncle, Marlin Zickafoose; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by grandparents Ruth and Elmon Posey  and Harold and Katherine McKee; step-father Donald Payne; nephew Christopher Payne; and brothers-in-law Ronnie Pierce and (William) Bill Mark. 

Charlie retired from the Chillicothe Correctional Institution in 2008 as acting Captain/Lieutenant after a proud 30 year career.  Charlie was a lifelong Cincinnati Bengals/Reds and Ohio State Buckeyes fan.  Charlie loved to travel with family and friends, and just recently experienced his first Alaskan cruise.

Charlie fiercely cared for his family and was fully devoted to their happiness.  Charlie and Lachona shared a love for each other that is greater than any love story ever told.  He was extremely proud of the lives Alison and Adam have built with their families.  Charlie loved spending time with his grandkids, especially visiting Luke at the University of Akron and attending all of Addison’s volleyball games.  He expressed his love for each of us in a special and individual way. His love for us is the legacy he leaves behind.

Above all things, Charlie was a man of God that was unwavering in his faith. He believed that kindness, gentleness, and love were to be shown to all people, regardless of who they were.  Charlie attended Bishop Hill United Methodist Church and guided many people toward their relationships with God.  We take solace in the surety that Charlie has met his Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Services will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2022 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with  Reverend Haden Davis officiating.  Friends and family may call from 3 – 5.p.m prior to the funeral service on Tuesday evening.  Burial in Twin Township Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family.

You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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