Few people can be known by only one name—let alone a name that isn’t their given name. But everyone around knew Gene McGee as Pappy. If introduced to anyone, Pappy always introduced himself as just Pappy. And if you met him, that’s what you called him. The name didn’t just fit; it was perfect.
Born on May 11, 1942, in McDowell County to Isaac and Willie Mae Mace McGee, Pappy was the 3rd of 5 children. Pappy was truly one of the smartest people you’d ever meet. He could build anything, and he did. He worked for Henredon Furniture for 36 years, and those skills came in handy. He made the grandchildren toy boxes, tree houses, and bookshelves. He furnished our homes with beds and other furniture he’d piece together from scraps, and they would have been right at home in any show room. After his retirement from Henredon, he volunteered with the Primitive Quartet, who he loved dearly. He also helped out with driver education. He delivered cars, signs, and handbooks all over WNC. And, yes, all the driver’s ed teachers called him Pappy.
He met Nell Wise in the late 1960s and married her on November 25, 1971. With that marriage came a daughter, a son-in-law, a granddaughter, and soon-to-be born grandson. They became his entire world, and remained so until he passed away on September 21st, 2024, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Pappy would do anything for his family. He was born to be a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. He loved us unconditionally, and we absolutely adored him. Words can never convey how much he’ll be missed. It didn’t matter what we needed, when we needed it, or where it was—if we called Pappy, he would be there immediately—just because we asked.
Pappy loved to travel with his family. and with us, he traveled to all 50 states—with his final state being Alaska in 2022. He also visited Canada, England, Jamaica, and Mexico. If you were around him much, you saw the pictures! Pappy never met a stranger on these trips. He could talk about anything to anyone.
He also loved finding treasures at the trade lots and bringing everybody candy from Sam’s and fresh fruit and vegetables from the Farmer’s Market. He was a master cook; his biscuits, gravy, and tenderloin will be sorely missed.
One of Pappy’s greatest joys was working with the special needs community. He spent many years volunteering with Camp FunShine in Yancey County. Pappy would love for you to make a donation to this wonderful organization in his honor. Donations can be made to:
Friends Across NC c/o Karen McKenzie, 1080 Brinkley Road, Carthage, NC 28327.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Willie Mae McGee, and his wife, Nell Wise McGee. Surviving are his four siblings: Dean McGee (Judy), Dale McGee (Resa), Violet Hemmings and Frank McGee). We’re very thankful for all the love and support of Frank and Jane during the difficult two months after Pappy’s accident. They have been a tremendous help and blessing. Also surviving is a special niece, Kim Stephenson.
Also left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Mary Sue Wise Ledford (Lee Roy); granddaughter Tracy Deyton (Sam); and grandson Tommy Ledford (Kim). Great grandchildren—his absolute pride and joy—include: Luke Deyton (Grace), Jake Deyton (Matt), Zeke Deyton, Ben Deyton, Jess Ledford, and Alli Ledford, and great-great grandson, Henry Glading. Recently, Pappy was blessed with even more grandchildren and great grandchildren, and just like the rest of us they became part of Pappy’s whole world. He adored Tyler Burr (Megan), Austin Burr, Lauren Steinbaugh (JC), and Erik Burr along with their children: Evan, Noah, Mazie, Maddie, and Harper.
A visitation will be held in the chapel of Henline-Hughes Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 24th, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with the funeral to follow. The burial will be Wednesday at 10 AM at the Cane Creek Cemetery on Graveyard Hill. At other times, the family will be at 219 N Mitchell Avenue in Bakersville.
Henline Hughes Funeral Home of Bakersville is serving the McGee Family.
