George McKee

George McKee was born in the mountains surrounding Johnson City, Tennessee, to Edna Deacon and Earl McKee. He was the youngest of 4 children. George spent most of his childhood working in the tobacco fields surrounding his home. When he was sixteen, he decided to join the U.S. Air Force, so he lied about his age. After completing his basic training, he was sent to the Korean War. While he was in war, he suffered a severe injury to his leg after the jeep he was driving struck a landmine. He was later stationed at Kirtland AFB where he met the love of his life, Ramona Chaves. George and Ramona were married shortly after and had 4 children, David, Charlette, John and Michael. George moved his family to Belen where he work at the BNSF railyard as a carman. Due to an injury, George had to leave and became a mailman and retired from the post office. Ramona recalls George saying that he loved everyone on his mail route. George was also elected as a Belen City Councilor in the early 80's. George was also a member of the Belen VFW post 2387 and served as its commander for a brief time. George is proceeded in death by his brother, JT McKee; sister, Jesse Miller; son-in-law, Jeff Thomas and grandson, Ryan Thomas. George is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ramona McKee; son, David McKee; daughter, Charlette Thomas; son, John McKee (Victoria McKee); son, Michael McKee (Stacy McKee); grandson, Justin Thomas (Courtney Thomas); grandson, Jarred Thomas, grandson, Evan McKee; granddaughter, Lauren McKee; wife of grandson Ryan, Joyce Thomas; great-granddaughter, Alissa Thomas; great-grandson, Maximus Thomas; great-grandson, Ryan Thomas and great-grandson, Beau Thomas. George was a dedicated Christian and was a member of the Abundant Life Christian Center in Rio Communities. After a long battle with dementia and other health problems, the family has peace knowing that George is no longer suffering and is at peace with our Lord in Heaven. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those wanting to give, donate to the Belen VFW post 2387. An online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

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