Billy Wayne McKee, husband, father, grandfather, -grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 27, 2026, at the age of 92 surrounded by his family and loved ones.
He was born on Fe. 23,1934, in Wilm, Ark., as the second son of Edward (Bud) McKee and Hester Morris McKee.
Growing up in the close-knit community of Wilmot, Bill’s life was grounded in the values of hard work and family. He left school to proudly serve his country in the US Navy in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1955. After his first tour of duty in Korea, he returned to Arkansas and proposed to the love of his life, Volene. He promised if she would marry him, he would finish high school, earn a college degree and provide a good life for them. Always keeping his promises, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Arkansas A&M in Monticello, Ark., (now University of Arkansas at Monticello).
Bill’s professional journey began as a high school math and science teacher in England, Ark., from 1959 to 1963. After teaching 4 years, he was employed by Dierks Forest Industries Briar Plant (later Weyerhaeuser) in Nashville, Ark., where he remained until he retired in 1991. In addition to his Weyerhaeuser responsibilities, he also had a life-long love of farming. He raised cattle and poultry. He remained in Nashville until 2022 when they moved to Conway to be closer to family.
Bill was an active member of the boards of the Jan-Eze Corporation of Nashville and Farm Credit in Russellville. He was also an active member of his Men’s Sunday School Class at the First Baptist Church of Nashville.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Volene McKee, their three children including Gary and wife Taleda, Connie, Allen and wife Jana. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Eula Jean McKee, her daughter Lorri Ann Graham and husband Jim along with an abundance of nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Edward (Bud) and Hester McKee, a brother Edward (Bud) McKee Jr. and his son John Logan McKee.
The family extends their sincere gratitude and appreciation to family, friends and Baptist Health in Conway for the exceptional care and compassion.
The family will receive visitors at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Nashville, Ark., with funeral services immediately following at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Operation Christmas Child. Make checks payable to First Baptist Church OCC and send to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 339, Nashville, AR 71852.
You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com.
