Ronald Wyche Gee

RONALD W. GEE December 27, 1926 - October 12, 2007 Whether it was a time of celebration or strife, Ronald Gee was always there. His steadfast love, compassion and unwavering thoughtfulness for family and friends shown through with a heartwarming smile, an encouraging pat on the back, a humorous one liner or simply his presence. As a young man in Albany, GA, he spent countless hours working in the projection booth of the local theatre watching larger-than-life cowboys and other Hollywood heroes in action. This began a lifelong love for film and its classic icons from John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart to W.C. Fields and Laurel & Hardy. He saw action himself at 17 in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a radio operator on ammunition ship the USS Nitro. He participated in the Normandy invasion of France on D-Day and later in various battles in the Pacific Theatre. Upon returning home, he attended the University of Miami and later graduated from the Atlanta Division of the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration. Beginning in the late '40s, Ronald had a long and successful career in the steel industry. He chalked up years with both the Atlantic Steel and L.B. Foster companies. But he spent the majority of his career with Valiant Steel & Equipment of Atlanta and Savannah where he served as corporate treasurer and director for 30 years. His analytical mind and knack for numbers had him recognized as one of the top credit managers/analysts in the industry. After his retirement, he served for several years as a consultant for Load Pro, Inc., a transportation company in Tucker, GA. Out of the office, Ronald was a veracious reader and avid sports fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of trivia and statistics. Up until his late 70s, he found himself in Little League dugouts as a baseball manager and coach who often followed his players' lives and remained in contact with them throughout the years. One of his fondest pastimes was his daily bike ride that found him zipping around Midtown, Virginia-Highland and Inman Park where he became fast friends with many residents and shopkeepers along the way. His Christian faith was something he held dear. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, he served on many committees and commissions. His strong, enduring faith was a witness to others. But he was arguably most proud of his 58-year marriage to wife Jeanne with whom he shared mutual love and devotion until the end. Together their matching sense of humor could elicit a chuckle even during life's more difficult times. The strength of their bond and commitment to each other was a testament to those around them. he was preceded in death by his parents Wyche and LaRue Stewart Gee, and brothers William and Olin, In addition to his wife, he is survived by son William (Bill) Gee and wife Martha of Louisville, KY and granddaughters Erin and Mandy Gee of Atlanta, GA and step granddaughters Megan Davis of Charlotte, NC and Amelia Pillow of La Grange, KY; daughter Robin Casey and husband Doug of Grayson, GA and grandson Allen Casey of Bozman, MT and granddaughter Melissa Casey of Grayson, GA; and a wealth of family, friends and godchildren, many of whom will fondly remember him as Uncle Snooks. Although he's gone to be with God, Ronald Gee will still always be there in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. Burial at Riverside Cemetery in Albany, GA at a later date.  A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 21, 2007 at 4:00 P.M. in the chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Children's Home, 500 Columbia Dr., Decatur, GA  30030-9982.  A. S. Turner & Sons.