Robert Lawrence McGee

The world feels a little smaller today… the ever energetic and youthful Robert Lawrence McGee, died unexpectedly at 84 years of age on the evening of May 29th, 2020. Robert was in the company of his wife and daughter at Saint Vincent’s hospital in the final hour of his untimely passing. Lawrence, as his parents referred to him, was born on December 16, 1935 in Conway, North Carolina to Leroy McGee and Lillie Rose (Harrell) McGee. While growing up on the family farm in Pendleton, North Carolina, Robert attended Severn Elementary School and Willis Hare High School. He also regularly attended The Church of God in Boykins, Virginia where he enjoyed playing guitar and singing with his family.

Lawrence was one of six boys and six girls born to Leroy and Lillie Rose McGee (deceased), who parented twins Willie and Laurine (deceased), brothers, Raleigh, Otha, Rubin, Allen, (all deceased) and sisters, Virgie (deceased), Eunice (deceased), Virginia, Margaret, and Annie. During his latter high school years, Robert enlisted in the United States Army where he was a member of the Airborne division and served time in Korea. While stationed at Fort Devens, in Massachusetts, “Gee”, as he was known to his military friends, met Hester Sarah Miller while spending his “liberty” time in Worcester. They were married two years later, at AME Zion Church, on October 29th, 1960.

Together, Robert and Hester had two children, Robert Lawrence “Bobby” McGee, Jr. who died as an infant and Sonya Leigh McGee, a high school educator and dance studio owner who currently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition, to his three younger sisters, he leaves behind a large number of nieces, nephews, friends, and little Miss Phoenix Anne Messer, who considered him a grandfather-figure and lovingly referred to him as “Poppy”.

Bobby, as he was more commonly known locally, was energetic, charismatic, and had an infectious love for life. He was proud of his service to his country and was known to wear his uniform on Memorial Day in his younger years, as an expression of his pride and commitment. After his enlistment concluded, he worked at a few local businesses before landing a job at George J. Meyer Manufacturing Company. When the company moved to North Carolina, Bob chose to remain in Worcester. Unafraid to try something new and ever the free spirit, he became a taxi owner and eventually the vice president of Arrow Cab Company until the company disbanded. In 1976, he made the decision to enroll in Broms Schools to study cosmetology and pursue a hobby as a hairstylist. He enjoyed cutting and styling hair and did so for family and friends for several years. Not one to sit around, Bobby also worked at Worcester City Hospital as a lab tech assistant shortly after the military and worked there again, later in life, as a security guard. Bob spent his sunset years as a part-time taxi driver and a member of the security staff at Allied Universal; he continued both jobs diligently until his passing.

For Bobby, life was meant to be enjoyed! He loved good music and listened to everything from R & B, to country, to gospel, to classic rock. He occasionally traveled, watched sports and movies - particularly comedies - and truly appreciated nature, good food, cold soda, a good joke, cashews, pistachios, and sweets. He was an avid fan of professional wrestling and watched it faithfully, whether live or on television.

A small, private service is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th, 2020 at 12:00pm at Mercadante Funeral Home in Worcester. Robert's nephew, Bishop Ernest Santiful, Jr., of Kingdom Baptist Church and Ministries in Baltimore, Maryland will officiate the ceremony. The interment will take place at a later time. A live stream link to view the service will appear (Just prior to the service) on the funeral home’s website under live services. (https://www.mercadantefuneral.com/page/live-services).

Robert will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His playful, often sarcastic manner, infectious laugh, and boundless zeal are no longer with us and will certainly leave a void. The family would like to thank each of you who have taken the time to offer kind words, sentiments, and gestures of support. Hester and Sonya take comfort in knowing that Robert Lawrence McGee - who lived life on his own terms and with little regret - is now at peace in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If Bob were writing this himself he would likely conclude with a smile on his face, a rhythmic nod of his head, and a heartfelt line from his favorite Bob Marley tune... 

...“This is my message to you… Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright.”

Nehemiah 8:10