Johnnie R. McGehee, Jr.

Johnnie Roberts McGehee, Jr, affectionately known as "Bobby" to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at the age of 70, surrounded by his beloved wife and children at his home in Lampasas, Texas, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Visitation will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Services will be held at Community Church in Lampasas on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 3 pm.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Johnnie was born on June 18, 1955, in Lampasas at Rollins Brook Community Hospital to Johnnie R. McGehee, Sr, and Ruby (Chambers) McGehee.  Joining Joan and Pat, his two half sisters by blood but full sisters in heart.  Johnnie was given his nickname by his father.  Growing up in Lampasas, Johnnie had an active childhood.  He loved to go fishing with his family, swim at Gunderland Park, ride his bicycle around town, and cruise up and down Key.  He loved when his sisters and cousins would visit on the weekends and enjoyed sharing fun times with them.  When asked about his youth, Johnnie stated that he was a "bit on the wild side".  Most who knew him will have a hard time believing that, BUT if you know, you know.  Johnnie grew up playing cards, which turned into a lifelong passion.  He taught his children and grandchildren to play.  You could usually find Johnnie with his best friend, Amos VanHook, up to no good.  They even decided to join the US Army together after they graduated from Lampasas High School.  Despite the military not keeping them together, Johnnie and Amos remained closer than brothers.

While in the Army, Johnnie earned his Rifle Expert Badge and his National Defense Ribbon.  He was a squad leader and tank crew operator.  He served his country dutifully as an infantryman under the 1st Cavalry Division, 7th Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Charlie Company until he was honorably discharged in 1976.  Before leaving the service, Johnnie had a son, Johnnie III, with his first wife.  After leaving the service, he continued his education, graduating from Tarleton with an Associate's in General Studies.  To support himself and his son, Johnnie worked at Umphrey's Texaco and Bug Acres before settling into a civil service position at the Lampasas Post Office in February of 1980.  He began his career as a city carrier, working his way up to head clerk.  While working as a city carrier, he met the love of his life, Linda.  Johnnie would deliver the mail out of order to the ladies around the corner before delivering Linda her mail, so he could spend a little extra time wooing her and not get into trouble for the mail delay.  The wooing worked, and they were married on May 6, 1983, blending their families and allowing Linda to make a permanent change of address.  Johnnie adopted her daughter, Valinda.  In 1984, Johnnie and Linda proudly added an addition to the family, another son, Justin.  He and Linda enjoyed hosting weekly poker nights in their home for family and friends.  This tradition continued until a couple of years ago when Johnnie's health declined.  Johnnie inherited his love of motorcycles from his dad and uncles.  Despite his love of riding, he always discouraged his kids and grandkids from riding, but you know how well children listen to their parents.  Johnnie began his real estate career in 1985, when he and Linda began a partnership with Rick Abraham, buying their first rental houses, one on North Porter St. and one on East Fifth St.  They continued buying rental properties until they decided to end the partnership 3 years later.  They have remained loyal friends and coworkers at the post office throughout the years.  Johnnie and Linda continued buying rental property, creating a business legacy that continues to this very day.  Johnnie retired from the Postal Service in the fall of 2009 with 29 years of service.  In those years, he made an everlasting impact on the community with his soft spokenness, his friendly nature, and integrity.  Johnnie remembered everyone and made all feel welcome.  

In his retirement years, Johnnie continued with his real estate business, but he had many other hobbies.  He and Linda enjoyed trips to the casinos and playing slots.  His favorite was The Lucky Ducky.  So if you go, make sure you put in a dollar or two for him.  They sailed on cruises with their family to exotic places.  He and Linda enjoyed any time they could spend with their 3 children, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed playing washers, pool, golf, Left-Right-Center, chess, and checkers with family and friends.  He would drive the grandkids behind the lawn mower in a utility trailer around the property, much to their delight.  He and Linda were ambushed by one of their grandchildren to start a mini-farm.  To begin, she convinced them to hatch 150 eggs.  The chickens did not like Johnnie and did not last long on the farm.  The farm eventually included goats, sheep, a few donkeys, and rabbits.  Their home was never empty despite being empty nesters.  Their place was the place to be.  Johnnie loved spending time watching old westerns.  His favorite actor was Clint Eastwood.  He had a vast collection of knives, coins, and stamps.  He always had his precious dog, Princess, with him, even though technically she was a gift to Linda.  Princess claimed his heart first.  Linda says it's a good thing, or else Princess would have won hands down if Johnnie had to choose.  He would often take his precious Princie for an ice cream at McDonald's.  She loved him and was viciously protective of him, even from Linda.  His favorite home-cooked meal was Linda's fried catfish.  In spite of his declining health, he loved that it brought his family together, and he was able to create a deeper connection with everyone.

Johnnie will be remembered most for his friendliness, generosity, and endless patience.  He had a warm heart, a gentle spirit, and a way of making everyone feel welcome.  He never had a cross word for anyone.  He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.  His soulmate was his wife, Linda, with whom he shared 42 wonderful years of marriage.  His love and loyalty to her were at the center of everything he did.

He was greeted in heaven with open arms by his parents, Johnnie Roberts McGehee, Sr and Ruby (Chambers) McGehee; his granddaughter, Avery Grace Shirhall; his fur baby of 18 years, Princess; his uncles, Emanuel McGehee, Willie McGehee; his aunts, Winnie Merle Laird, and Mattie Dale McGehee.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Linda (Patterson) McGehee of Lampasas; his children, Johnnie (Stephanie) McGehee III of Lampasas, Valinda McGehee of Lampasas, Justin (Cassidy) McGehee of Florence; his grandchildren, Shelby (Cody) Amidon, Jerry McGehee, Topher McGehee, Machaelah Groves, Johnnie (Lakota) McGehee IV, Jordan (Karen) Rodriguez, Erica (Marcos) Gonzales, Alexander Rodriguez, Addisyn Shirhall, Haiden McGehee, Kendall McGehee, Brynnan McGehee; his great-grandchildren, Hadlee Amidon, Axton Uhler, Blayton Amidon, Luna McGehee, Octavian Rodriguez, Cross Gonzales and his fur baby, Bella Mae. 

Our family would like to say thank you to New Century Hospice and staff.  A special thanks to Angelica Valentine and Kaydi Farr.  Thank you for the love and care shown to Johnnie.