Wayne McGee Obituary

On Tuesday, February 9, 2021, Wayne Palmer "Sandy" McGee, loving husband and father of six children successfully completed his mission and peacefully passed away with his wife and loved ones by his side in Durango, CO.

Sandy was born on March 29, 1924, in Kirkland, New Mexico. He was the 10th of eleven children born to Ulysses and Matilda McGee. He received his lifelong nickname, "Sandy," at a young age due to his sandy-blonde hair. Sandy graduated from Kirkland Central H.S. in 1942, and he was drafted into the Navy in 1943 during WWII. In the Navy, he served honorably as a radioman on AP, LCI, and LST ships in the Pacific campaign.

He married his sweetheart of 73 years, NormaLee Watson, June 5, 1947. After working as a gravity surveyor in several states, Sandy settled with his family in Redding, CA. It was there that he purchased a backhoe and began working in construction and excavation. He was a hardworking and successful contractor. After spending 38 years in Redding, Sandy and NormaLee retired in Red Mesa, CO.

Sandy was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions throughout his life. He and NormaLee served a mission in Texas in 1999.

Sandy enjoyed gardening, taking care of his orchard, puttering in the yard, and he was still operating his backhoe a month before passing away. Sandy was an honorable and honest man. His word was his bond. Sandy was known for his integrity, kindness, and willingness to help those in need. He was preceded in death by all of his siblings and daughters, Charlotte and Shelleen. He is survived by his wife, NormaLee McGee, daughters Lynette McGee and Shannon Shelley, sons Patrick and Michael McGee, 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.