Ron McKee
October 6, 1945 ~ September 21, 2021
Born in:
Shelby, NC
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Ronald Boyd McKee, 75, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Mission Hospital.
Mr. McKee was born in Shelby, NC to the late James “Boyd” McKee and Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Sweezey McKee.
Ron was General Manager for the Asheville Tourists Baseball Team for over 25 years from 1980 to 2005. He helped turn the park into a fun and inviting place for families and children. He was on the Board of Trustees for Minor League baseball, a member of the Rotary Club of Asheville, active with Eblen Charities and he loved fishing.
Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Hall McKee; four children, Christine “Chris” Jennings (Brian), Ken McKee (Catherine Deans), Catherine Hayes (Gray) and Matthew McKee (Elizabeth); seven grandchildren, Liza, Abby, Ryan, Liam (Alexis), Heath, Savannah and Ashton and one great grandson, Finn McKee.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 2:00 PM at McCormick Field in Asheville. The family will receive friends following the service at the ball field.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, or to Eblen Charities.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Wishing God’s love, comfort and peace to Carolyn, Chris, Ken, Catherine, Matt and the entire McKee family. Ron was a wonderful man who created a family atmosphere for many people in Western North Carolina who attended minor league baseball games at McCormick Field during his time as General Manager of the Asheville Tourists baseball club. Those of us who worked for Ron and Carolyn as game-day help over the years enjoyed our time there because of the family atmosphere created for the fans and the employees. I will cherish my memories of Ron both at the ballpark and away from the ballpark. He’s now safe, at home after scoring the winning run!
Well, another Asheville legend has gone to his heavenly home. Ron will be missed by so many folks. I was umpiring Babe Ruth baseball when Ron came thru the league. He was a good pitcher and I am sure that started his love for baseball and the Asheville Tourist. He loved his family very much. Will be praying for his family during these difficult times. God bless you all.
Many sincerest blessings to Carolyn and family. Such fond memories of Carolyn and Ron as high school sweethearts May these sweet memories sustain you as you grieve with your loss.
Lynn Baker, LHE class of ’64
Gail & I just heard this news and are so very sorry! What a wonderful human being and loved by everyone!! Will truly be missed! God bless and strengthen during these difficult time. Prayers are with Carolyn & family.
Ken, I am so sorry for your loss. I never got to meet your Dad, but I know he was loved by so many. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
We extend our sympathy to the family. You can be proud of how he lived his life and what he did. In baseball terms, he hit a Grand Slam Home Run for Asheville and all the fans!!!
Barbara & Barry Pate & Sons
Ron is gone too soon and our sympathy goes out to all this sweet family. We were fortunate to call him friend.
Luther and Deana Lance
Carolyn I am forever touched by your family and Ron’s impact on my life. The best baseball stories I have begin with Ron.
A good friend always and a teammate from many years ago, never to be forgotten. My love and best wishes to Carolyn and family.
Sincere condolences to Ron’s family. My late father, Gerald Schwartz, liked to tell his numerous baseball-loving friends from throughout his life and around the country about Ron saving Asheville baseball and always looked forward to seeing Ron at McCormick Field.
What a great person!
He always treated everyone with respect.
I have been lucky to have known him for such a long time
R I P