Harold E. Gee

Harold E. Gee, age 92 of Lick Creek, died Friday, January 10, 2020 in the VA Medical Center in Marion. He was born September 2, 1927 in Jackson County, the son of Harvey Orland and Grace Gertrude (Reames) Gee. He married Joanna Mae Duncan on January 20, 1951 in Carbondale. She preceded him in death on August 19, 1996. Harold is survived by his children, Leanne (Ron) Thompson of Lick Creek, Ileen Jarvis of Creal Springs, Tina Benefield (Ricky Ditterline) of Lick Creek, Terri (Tom) Harrison of Carbondale, Jeffrey (Pam) Gee of Carterville, Tommie (Stephanie) Gee of Carterville, Nancy (Greg) Smith of Carbondale, Dylan Myers of Anna; fifteen grandchildren; twenty eight great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sister Ruth Lipe of Carbondale; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joanna Mae Gee; grandchildren, Ronald Dean Jr. and Clint Edward Thompson; great-grandchildren, Mikenzie Nicole Bracken and Trevor Dawson Benefield; infant brother, James Sydney Gee; brothers, Carroll Everett and Kennith Orlan Gee; sisters, Norma Lee Wolfe and Wonda Lou Vancil and son in law, Paul Benefield. Harold was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church for many years. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. He spent his career as a master carpenter and taught Millwright courses at SIU for several years. He was a member of the American Legion and was past Commander for thirty five years. Harold played a vital role in bringing the Illinois Veteran's Home to Anna in 1994. He received the honor of Veteran of the Month for his dedication and was presented the award by Senator Tammy Duckworth. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2020 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Rev. Mike Miller officiating. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Makanda. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Navy Funeral Honor Team. Friends may call from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2020 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the CLC Hospice at the VA Medical Center in Marion. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visitation Service Monday, January 13, 2020,5:00PM-8:00PM Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Homes 301 West Spring Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Memorial/Funeral Service Tuesday, January 14, 2020,2:00PM Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Homes 301 West Spring Street Anna, Illinois 62906 Cemetery Service Tuesday, January 14, 2020,3:00PM Evergreen Cemetery Baptist Hill Road Makanda, Illinois