James Wallace McKee

James Wallace McKee, 87, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 8, 2026 at his home in Axtell, TX. James was born on January 29, 1939 to James T. (Buck) McKee and Camelia Odell Gideon McKee in Mexia, Texas. He was a loving, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bellmead Funeral Home located at 809 La Clede St. in Bellmead, TX. The funeral service will be on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 10:00 am at the funeral home with the Rev. Gerry Davis officiating. Burial will follow at The Axtell Cemetery, Axtell TX. James loved the music of BrazosGrass and some of their music will be included in the service. The Waco Fire Department will provide a Honor Guard and the Axtell/Leroy Volunteer Fire Department will lead the funeral procession to the cemetery.

James attended school in Mexia until 7th grade. He had classes in churches due to the school being condemned. While living in Mexia, he played Pee Wee football. His family moved to Bellmead and he attended LaVega schools where he played baseball, football and basketball. He graduated from LaVega High School in 1957. He attended Barber School and worked for Shaw’s Barber Shop on 23rd and Bosque, eventually purchasing and operating the shop as McKee’s Barber Shop for many years. In 1974, he joined the Waco Fire Department where he was known as “Coconut” until his retirement in 2001. He loved the fire department and loved being a fire fighter. He was also a member of the Axtell/Leroy Volunteer Fire Department for many years serving as Assistant Fire Chief.

James married his high school sweetheart, Linda Sue Phelps in 1960. They had three daughters, Marcy, Deahn, and Shannon, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. James was a member of the Bellmead JC’s, Corridor Cruisers Car Club, and The Old Car Club. He loved his sports cars and drove a Corvette most of his adult life.

James was a “rose nut” and had 400 rose bushes in his garden at one time. He was a long time member of the Waco Rose Society. He loved to put in new flower beds, but never weeded them. That chore became Linda’s. He was a loyal and faithful member of Timbercrest Baptist Church. He loved to travel, especially cruises, and was known by some fellow cruisers as “Happy Meal”.

James was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, a brother, Jack McKee and a sister, Mattie Jo McKee.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda Sue Phelps McKee, daughters Marcy Whiddon and husband Tom Elmore, Dee Kroll, Shannon and husband David Grovdahl; grandchildren Brandi Boots, Amanda and husband Adam Sullivan, Maegan and husband Michael Garcia, MacKenzie Kroll and fiancé Monique Iglehart, Cody Carroll, Madison Kroll, and Rebecca Grovdahl; great-grandchildren Brianna and husband Tate Grams, Brandon Waldrop, Kadon and Kyndall Hooper. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Dewey Phelps and Ron and wife Carol Phelps, nieces, nephews, and many cousins. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23