Mr. James Earl McKee, age 88 of Sparta, passed away at 1:30pm Sunday, January 10, 2021 at River Park Hospital from complications of COVID-19.

James was born April 26, 1932 in Whitehead, Alabama to the late Hollis Edward and Gladys Earline Davis McKee. James earned a Bachelors degree from the University of North Alabama, and ultimately ran the family business, a Shell Oil Company jobber, Alabama Oil and Gas Co. for over 30 years. He owned as many as 13 gas stations in the Upper Cumberland area, including the Dixie Food Marts in Sparta. James was a pilot and long-time board member of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport. When he wasn't in the air, he loved spending time on Center Hill Lake and was a former owner of Sligo Marina. He was an animal lover, owning all types of animals - from his dog Sam to a Zebra. On Saturdays in the fall, he would watch his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide; on Sundays, he would be in the stands of Nissan Stadium where he was a charter PSL and season ticket holder of Tennessee Titans football. James took great pride in his work, and it was evident by the hours of meticulous work spent in his yard. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by a daughter Beth Waggoner; step-daughter Amy Russell.

Surviving family members include his wife of 34 years Betty McKee of Sparta

Daughter: Vicki McClanahan and husband Steve of Hermitage, TN

Step-daughter: Laura Wynn and husband Josh of Cape Corral, Florida

Grandchildren: Kris Waggoner, Dain McClanahan, Alec McClanahan

Step-grandhildren: Dakota, Kendra, Jaida and Zane

In consideration of the health and safety of family and friends, a private graveside service was conducted 2:00pm Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens in Florence, Alabama. Roy Whited officiated.

Since private services were held, the family created a video to honor James and it can viewed by visiting,  https://youtu.be/1Vb7Af1Vq-8