Herbert Mcgee

Herbert B. McGee was a long-time active member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. His many years of dedicated service to the community through the church included volunteer work feeding the homeless and assisting with church maintenance, repairs, and beautification projects. His unwavering faith and commitment to helping others were central to his life.

Herbert was born on April 10, 1919, in the small rural community of Rose Hill, Mississippi. He passed away peacefully at the age of 105 on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Darby Glenn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hilliard, Ohio. He was the son of loving parents Raymond McGee and Maebell Edmonson McGee and grew up in a close-knit community where family, faith, and hard work were deeply valued.

Rose Hill, Mississippi, nestled in the heart of the agrarian South, was where Herbert’s early years were shaped by the values of resilience and compassion, which guided him throughout his long and fruitful life. In 1941, he left Mississippi for Columbus, Ohio, where he built a life of service, love, and dedication to family and community.

Herbert served his country with valor during World War II. He was drafted into the Army and served for four years in combat as part of the 93rd Infantry, 25th Regiment, receiving an honorable discharge on January 5, 1946. His bravery and dedication to his fellow soldiers were an enduring source of pride for his family. After the war, he remained active in veteran affairs, becoming a member of the American Legion Leasure-Blackston Post 239 in Worthington, Ohio, where he was honored to serve as the Worthington Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal multiple times.

A hardworking man of diverse skills, Herbert worked for over 30 years as a machinist at Timken Roller Bearing while also holding a full-time position at North American Aviation. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Herb’s Refrigeration, an appliance repair business through which he served his community for many years. Despite his busy work life, Herbert always made time for the things he loved most, such as farming, gardening, and taking long-distance road trips. He was also a passionate sports fan, especially fond of the Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State football and basketball teams.

Herbert was a devoted husband and father. He was blessed to enjoy 53 years of marriage to his first wife, Bertha Annice Wicks McGee, who preceded him in death on October 18, 1994. Together, they raised five children who continue to honor his memory: Bernice McGee Wallace, Gloria Jean McGee, Edgar Abdul-Muhaimin Bayan, M. Gynell McGee, and Gregory (Ann) McGee. Herbert was also a loving grandfather to six grandchildren: Carmen Camille McGee, Brandon Greg (Analid) Wallace, Jason Garrett (Lleidy) Wallace, Leah Gynell Wallace, Zakiyyah Najla McGee, and Nasir Rasheed (Precious) Bayan. His legacy extends to eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom cherish his memory.

In 1996, Herbert was blessed to marry his second wife, Zakiyyah Anne Steele McGee. Together, they enjoyed a loving and devoted marriage for 28 years. Zakiyyah survives him, along with her children Darryl Steele, Khadija Azeem, and Lou Mills, who hold dear the memory of Herbert and the years of love and support they shared. Zakiyyah’s grandchildren also remember him fondly, cherishing the role he played in their lives. Herbert and Zakiyyah eventually moved to Westerville, Ohio, where he resided for 10 years before his passing.

In addition to his parents, Herbert was preceded in death by his siblings: Jack Roosevelt McGee, Viola McGee Ellis, Mentoria McGee McGowan, Mattie Lou McGee Brassfield McCoy, and Ethel Lee McGee.

Herbert's memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his many nieces, nephews, cousins, his godchildren Lisa Shepherd and Leslie Shepherd (twins), and dear friends, all of whom were touched by his kindness, warmth, and generous spirit.

Herbert’s legacy of compassion, hard work, and family values will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. His love, service, and strength will remain forever in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

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Funeral Service, 10:00 am, Saturday, September 28th, 2024 in the chapel of Watkins Road Church of Christ, 1614 Watkins Rd., Columbus, OH 43207, where his family will receive friends from 9:00 am until time of service. Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.