Buzz McKee, 65

A memorial service for Don “Buzz” Willard McKee Jr., 65, of Caulfield, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville. A visitation service will be held from 2 p.m. until service time. 

He died peacefully at home on Nov. 16, 2024. He was born on July 22, 1959, in Greeley, Colorado, to Don and Alice McKee. As an infant, his family moved to Caulfield and later began the 77 Ranch Rodeo Company where he helped out with rodeos and often hauled the livestock back and forth for events. 

Shortly after graduating high school he bought land next to his parents ranch where he lived until his death. On Oct. 3, 1980, he married Sonja Johnston and they had four sons: Jeremy, Colby, Lance and Drew. He was one of the first employees at Bruce’s Hardwood Flooring, now Armstrong Flooring, in West Plains, and he worked there until his health no longer permitted him. Buzz raised cattle his whole life, and his sons followed in his footsteps. Even toward the end of his life, he liked to ride around the land looking at the herd. 

Buzz is survived by sons: Jeremy McKee and wife Kasey and Drew McKee and wife Kristen; five grandchildren: Tate, Londyn, Hallie, Willow and Josie; one great-granddaughter Brinley; brother J.D. McKee and wife Karen; sister Suzie Green and husband John; uncle Steve McKee and wife Linda; and nephews: Justin, Jason, Casey and Ty. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Alice McKee; and sons Colby and Lance McKee.

Arrangements under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.