Dr. McGee was a man of great stature physically, spiritually, and ministerially. Being the son of a United Methodist minister, Methodism was in his blood. He understood Methodist practices, procedures, protocols, and polity. Dr. McGee was ‘old school’, but also intergenerational. He knew the Methodist tradition but also embraced current ministry trends. He was your classic Pastor who wore a robe every Sunday. But he was flexible enough to allow us to have a contemporary Saturday night worship service. Dr. McGee was willing to help others and mentored many entering the ministry. He served as mentor pastor and was willing to assist seminar students with their internships. I am an example of that fact. When it was time for me to do my internship, Dr. McGee stepped in at the 11th hour and accepted me at Trinity UMC. Because of the late time (just 2 months before it was to start), he could have said no. Because it was me (really because he knew my Dad), he brought me in, introduced me to the congregation, and supported me. He wanted members of the congregation to grow spiritually and encouraged them to participate in church and conference activities. I traveled with him to some conferences, and he sent me to others representing Trinity. Dr. McGee encouraged me by showing great confidence in me. As mentioned, he allowed me to lead Saturday night worship services. But during my internship, he had enough confidence in me to let me lead a Sunday morning worship service during his absence. These types of actions helped me to grow and demonstrated to the congregation his trust in me. He said, “If I show trust in you, the congregation will show trust in you.” Dr, McGee knew how to develop persons for ministry. Because of this ability, he became a reliable partner with SMU Perkins School of Theology’s internship program. Dr. McGee did not just spend all of his time in the church. He liked to travel and was a member of a fraternity. He was also very supportive of my kids. Dr. McGee was a great man and person. His absence will leave a huge void in the United Methodist Church and the Texas Annual Conference in particular.

A Pastor, a preacher, a mentor, a teacher, a visionary, but most of all, a friend. Robert McGee epitomized and stood strong as the example of what it means to be a man of faith and a man of God. We will forever be indebted for the leadership he poured out, not only for us personally, but for the many who were fortunate enough to witness and be a part of his fifty plus year ministry. We grieve today, but we also rejoice in knowing that if we follow the footprints he left, we will meet again. Peace and blessings to Lillian and Nakisha