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Harry Eugene McGee, 87, passed away at Hillview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Altoona Friday evening, Dec. 11, 2020, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He kept his good humor and was happy, pleasant and cooperative through it all.
He was born in Punxsutawney, son of the late Harry and Olive McGee. On Nov. 11, 1955, he married Gerri Wagner.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years; two sons: Michael McGee and wife, Debbie Jean and Steven McGee, all of Midlothian, Va., a sister, Martha Woodring of Silver Springs, Md.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula McGee; a daughter-in-law, Tammy McGee; a brother, Paul McGee; a sister-in-law, Barbara McGee; a sister, Shirley Ragley; and two brothers-in-law, James Ragley and Louis Woodring.
He was a 1950 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in his senior year of high school and retired as a master sergeant (E8) in 1993. He served in active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He also served as 1st sergeant of the 479th Artillery Group from 1963-71, and was officially recognized as Outstanding 1st Sergeant of the 479th Artillery Group. He was employed with Bell of Pennsylvania starting as a lineman and retiring from Verizon Communications as supervisor of installation and maintenance with over 37 years of service. He was then employed with Penn State University for seven years.
Harry was a member of Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and president of the young adult Sunday school class. He was currently a member of Ward Avenue Presbyterian Church, Altoona, serving as an elder and usher. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Jaycees, serving as president of the Punxsutawney chapter and receiving the J.C.I. Senator award. He was a 50-year member of John W. Jenks Lodge 534 Free and Accepted Masons and served as Worshipful Master in 1969. He was a 50-year member of Jaffa Shrine, past president of the Cycle Corps, Valley of Altoona, Scottish Rite, Coudersport Consistory, past director of Jester Court 70 and the Jaffa Bowling League, where he served as president for many years. He was also a 50-year member of the B.P.O. Elks Club and served as Exalted Ruler from 1975-76. He received both an honorary and a life membership.
He was a member of Park Hills Country Club where he enjoyed golfing. He also enjoyed his family, friends, hunting, bowling and Pittsburgh and Penn State sports.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service will be private. Burial will be in Lakelawn Memorial Park, Reynoldsville.
Arrangements are by Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Ward Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 E. Ward Ave., Altoona PA 16602, or the Jaffa Shrine, P.O. Box 1984, Altoona, PA 16603 or Shriners Hospital for Children in care of the Jaffa Shrine.
myerssomersfuneralhome.com