William Mckee Jr.

William G.S. McKee, 85 years "young," retired and lived in Ingram, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in Ingram, Texas.\r\n \r\nWilliam, better known as "Gary" was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 16, 1932.\r\n \r\nHe is survived by Kathie Miner; sons, William C. McKee and Michael S. McKee; daughter, Carmen Leslie "Karen" McKee; grandchildren, Christopher, Paola, Ryan, Louisa, Adrian and Nolan McKee; great grandsons, Christopher William McKee and Jameson Patrick McKee; as well as his cousin, J.L. Kilkelley.\r\n \r\nWilliam was a graduate of Dartmouth College and a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He had certifications from Texas A&M, City College of New York and San Antonio College where he later taught. Mr. McKee was also a Texas Master Gardener, a professional landscaper and nurseryman. In his later life, he graduated from the San Antonio Police Academy. He served as an officer of the Public Safety Team as a voluntary patrol officer.\r\n \r\nAfter graduating from college, he sold his McKee Travel Agency and moved to Mexico, later becoming President of the Dartmouth Club of Mexico.\r\n \r\nWhile living in Mexico, he was part of the management team of Denny's Restaurants and Kentucky Fried Chicken. He then built and franchised his own chain called Chicken-Itza. Moving from Mexico City to San Miguel Allende, he then began the internationally famous restaurant "La Flama." He worked directly for the Governor of the State of San Luis Potosi, establishing all the green areas of the new State Park, "Tangamaga," and the development of the first reforestation project of dry weather pine trees in Mexico.\r\n \r\nHis military service was served in the United States Navy in the 11th Naval Headquarters in San Diego, California, and then as Personnel Man on the USS Talladega.\r\n \r\nHis guiding light in life was the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling and "Don't walk ahead of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Just walk with me and be my friend."\r\n \r\nGod bless all my family and friends and to all a good night.\r\n