Gene Frank "Scooter" McGee

July 26, 1935 - October 16, 2015

Raymondville, Texas Gene Frank “Scooter” McGee was born to Glynn Frank and Ovie Cecil Stewart McGee in Primera, Texas on July 26, 1935. He passed from this earth into everlasting life at Valley Baptist Medical Center on October 16, 2015. His family moved to Raymondville, Texas in 1941. Growing up on a farm, he demonstrated a natural talent for problem solving, mechanics, and standing your ground. Scooter graduated from Raymondville High School and went on to attend Texas A & I and the University of Texas. On August 31, 1966, Scooter married his “Mostly Martha,” Martha Alicia Gilbert at the First United Methodist Church in Raymondville. They welcomed Margaret Ann on July 24, 1958 and “Little Scooter,” Gene Frank II, on April 27, 1961. His family was his greatest source of love and pride. The family left Raymondville for a number of years while Scooter worked in the oilfield industry. They returned in 1966 to begin a career in the boat business with the opening of McGee’s Boat Barn in Martha’s father’s barn outside of Raymondville. Scooter was proud to serve as an Evinrude outboard dealer until 1983. Never content to put all his eggs in one basket, he established a car wash and muffler shop and continued to work as a contract oil/gas well gauger during this time. Scooter was dedicated to the service of his community. He as a member of the First United Methodist Church (where he served on the administrative board), Raymondville Volunteer Fire Dept., Willacy County EMS, and the Willacy County Sheriff’s Reserve. In 1986 Scooter made history as the first Republican ever elected in Willacy County, when he was elected as precincts 2, 6, 8, & 10 county commissioner. He was reelected twice more before retiring from county government in 1998. To put it mildly, Scooter was unique. He never met a stranger, was a man of his convictions, and said exactly what he meant. He was a passionate outdoorsman and enjoyed many years of fishing the Laguna Madre and Gulf of Mexico with family and friends. Red and Ovie gave him his love of salt water which has been passed down through his children and grandchildren and will continue to be a part of his legacy. Scooter is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Alicia Gilbert McGee, his daughter Margaret Ann (Greg) Salvo, his son Gene Frank (Loretta) McGee II, his grandchildren Vincente (Sarah) Salvo, Patrick (Melissa) Salvo, Mason McGee, Lauren McGee and Ryan McGee, and great granddaughters Kelly, Ruth and Taylor Salvo. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to remember many good times and great stories. He is predeceased by his parents Glynn and Ovie and his siblings Glynn Hollis, James Norris and Betty Lou. Scooter ‘s earthly remains will be cremated per his instructions. Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. at Duddlesten Funeral Home, 604 W. Hidalgo, Raymondville, Texas. The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church, 192 S. 3rd Street, Raymondville, Texas. The family would like to thank the following physicians for their care and assistance, Dr. Andrade , Dr. Cantu, Dr. Khan, Dr. Mild and Dr. Spence. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be sent in his honor to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 825, Raymondville, Texas 78580. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Duddlesten Funeral Home, 604 W.Hidalgo, Raymondville, Texas 78580