Jack Richard Kee

Jack Richard Kee, 1938–2024, age 85, passed away peacefully January 17.  Jack was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. He loved his family, his community, music, whimsical socks, the Atlanta Braves, and the bankrupt tile on Wheel of Fortune. He was a friend to everyone he met, and left every person, room, and situation better than they were before. He had a smile and a kindness that made everyone at ease, and in his presence, you knew you mattered. He was a man of the highest integrity, a steadfast faith, and the most enduring love.

He was a patient softball coach, who successfully managed teams of silly, giggling girls. And when he wasn’t coaching, he never missed his daughters’ games. He taught them to love and appreciate music and a hot Krispy Kreme. He taught them the necessities of responsibility, hard work, and a good sense of humor.

He adored his grandchildren.  With them, he built Legos, played video games, fished, swam, and indulged them in whatever silly activity they created. He attended their games, made them laugh, and gave them unwavering love and support. Most importantly, he was a model of patience, integrity, generosity, and love, and he taught them that every day should include ice cream.

He was raised in a tiny house in Concord with eight siblings. He was a proud Army veteran who served his country with distinction, never losing faith in its ideals and principles. His most recounted memory was when, while driving a tank, he almost ran over a jeep driven by Elvis. He married Lottie Alice Groff in 1963 and began a sixty-year marriage based on an unparalleled depth of love, dedication, and commitment. They lived in five different cities, where they made many friends and had limitless influence. Wherever they lived, he was active in his church, serving as elder and clerk of session.  He worked at NCR corporation for thirty-nine years working on everything from manual cash registers to computers. Upon his retirement, he and Lottie moved home to Kannapolis and became servants to their church and community. His love of and skill as a musician brought joy to many at the senior center, VA, and other nursing homes. If he were playing, you could count on a crowd, and he was among the first to arrive and set up and the last to leave.

Jack is survived by Lottie, wife of sixty years; two daughters: Jackie (Jack) Barnette and Jennifer (Peter) Myers; four grandchildren: Brantley (Meghan) Barnette, Courtney Boger, Katelyn (Daniel) Glover, and Lily Myers; and one great grandson: Hudson Jack Barnette.

The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis. The visitation will be followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. in Whitley's Chapel with Rev. David True officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VA Healthcare System, Salisbury, North Carolina or to Pruitt Health Hospice.

https://www.va.gov/salisbury-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/#make-a-donationhttps://www.pruittcares.org