A mass of Christian Burial for 84-year-old Mr. Raymond J, McGee of Colton and formerly of Potsdam will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Msgr Robert Aucoin celebrant. Raymond died on December 17, 2010 with his family by his side. Friends may call at the Garner Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m. Online condolences can be sent at www.garnerfh.com. Contributions in his memory can be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Mr. McGee is survived by his sons, Michael of Waddington, Patrick of Wells, Christopher (Bonnie) of Colton; his daughters, Kathleen Willis of Kerrville, TX, Theresa (Steve) Farkas of Simi Valley, CA, and Mary Jean McGee of Colton; grandchildren, Mark Willis, Sean and Meghan McGee; his brothers, Richard McGee of Canton and William McGee of Mt. View; his sister, Mary McGee of Sarasota, FL and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife, Ruth, who passed December 20, 1994; a son, Timothy McGee; a daughter, Judith McGee; a son-in-law, William (Chester) Willis; a daughter-in-law, Mary Sharlow McGee; a granddaughter, Barbara Ann Willis; a sister, Margaret Meehan and a brother Robert McGee.

Mr. Raymond J. McGee was born on October 3, 1926 in Mount Vernon, NY to Raymond R. McGee and Genevieve Jane Sullivan. He attended Mount Vernon Schools and then moved to Potsdam. While attending Potsdam Central High School, he delivered groceries for his grandfather at Sullivan’s Grocery. He graduated from Potsdam Central in 1944. He served two years in the United States Navy. Upon his honorable discharge in 1946 he returned to Potsdam, continued working at the family store, in addition to various jobs and construction firms in the area. On June 30, 1947, he was married to Ruth M. Arnold with Rev Joseph Tierney celebrant. He worked on the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, and owned his own construction company. Later, he was a manager for Raytheon Middle East Systems out of Framingham, MA. He was based in Saudi Arabia for 13 years until his retirement in 1988. He returned to the US and entered into joint ownership of Roll Lock Truss in Waddington.

Raymond loved living in the North Country. He had a strong sense of family and friendship. His diverse collaboration of friends and acquaintances covered the many facets of his life. He holds a 45-year pin from AA where his life experiences provided fellow alcoholics a role model with wisdom and humor.