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G.K. Chesterton is quoted as saying: “The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children.”

There is something about ordinary people that often stands out, that makes them well-liked. They are usually faithful to the tasks assigned to them, seldom miss work, are diligent, dependable, and do things for others. It is these things that make them extraordinary, and that

pretty much tells you what kind of person Johnny Wayne McGee was.

McGee died April 4 after a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife, Brenda Kay McGee; a son, Jeremy; a daughter, Kasey; and their families. He and his wife recently celebrated their 55th anniversary.

McGee was a standout quarterback at Hampton High School, which says a lot about his leadership skills. He was a decorated Vietnam War veteran, serving five years in the U.S. Army –  a man that loved his country, had courage, and perseverance.

His daughter, Kasey, said he was a very talented mechanic and enjoyed working on cars as well as machines. He had worked at Watauga Industries, Mapes and NAR.

He was a pretty good fix-it man and often fixed things around the house for his brothers and sisters. ”He really enjoyed doing things for others,” said Kasey.

In his spare time, McGee liked hanging out with his grandchildren, which included five granddaughters, and a great-granddaughter. He enjoyed fishing, playing basketball, camping, four-wheeling and boating. His favorite vacation spot was Little Oak Campground on S. Holston Lake.

He also enjoyed playing the guitar. Again, it was the simple things in life that filled his day.

McGee was very faithful to his church at Gap Creek Christian, where he was a long-time member and had many friends.

“He was a good and faithful friend to a lot of people, and he truly loved his family, and his brothers and sisters. His church and family were a big and special part of his life. He and my brother spent a lot of time together. He was a family person and a very devoted father,” said Kasey.

She added that her daddy “was a quiet person with a dry sense of humor.”

Junior Stalcup at Memorial Funeral Chapel noted it was a rainy day when McGee’s graveside service was held…”there was a crowd of people there, which says a lot about the kind of man he was and how much he was loved.”

Johnny McGee was just an ordinary man, who did ordinary things extraordinarily well. He was well loved by his family, his church, and his friends. He set an example for all of us: Just be the best you can and love those around you.