Arthur E. Kee Sr. departed this life on March 21, 2010 at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was born in Nansemond County, Suffolk, Va., on Oct. 27, 1935. He was the son of the late Jesse Kee Sr. and Beatrice Holly-Kee.
He was preceded in death by nine siblings, Leroy Kee, Zannie Kee, James Kee, Jesse Kee Jr., Jasper Kee, Rufus Kee, Georgiana Kee White, and Mary Kee Brown.
He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Celia Mae Kee, his daughter, Camelia Kee, and his son, Arthur and Donna Kee, all of Suffolk, Va. He also is survived by his loving sister, Bessie Kee (Suffolk), Herman and Mary Ann Kee (Suffolk), Frank and Berthinia Kee (Waterburg, Conn.), Javan Kee (Philadelphia, Pa.), and Deborah Mitchell (Baltimore, Md.). He also leaves behind three grandsons, Justin Kee, Larry Fulgham, Carlton Ferguson, all of Suffolk, Va., and three granddaughters, Carlene Ferguson (New York), Donneasha Ferguson (New York), and Pearline Fulgham (Suffolk); devoted sisters-in-law, Catherine Harris Williams (Portsmouth), and Shirley Kee (Suffolk); faithful nieces, Beatrice K. Newsome, Wendy Gray, Bessie K. Newsome, the Rev. Lucille White, Rose Harris, Druscilla Kee, Vondalier Kee Barnes, Tammy Kee Freeman, Laura Parker Gaines, Deatrice K. Johnson, Tresha Kee Roundtree, Beatrix Mitchell, Sherry Harris, Wiletha Winboure, Judy Brown, Sophia Thomas, Anita Anthony, Sabrella Moss, Colette Edwards, Lind Kee, Marion Kee and Julia Brown; his beloved nephews, Alonza Harris, who was just like a son to him, Herman Lamont Kee, James Brown, Jasper Kee Jr., Peter Mitchell Jr., Curtis Thomas Jr., Frank Kee Jr., George Kee, Pastor Randy Kee, James Kee and Richard Kee. He also leaves behind a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-grandchildren.
He was a member of Tabernacle Christian Church, Suffolk, Va., for over 60 years where he served faithfully on the Usher Board, in the choir, and on the Trustee Ministry. He was also a member of the Suffolk Booster Club. He worked diligently for a combined 40 years at Albert Ford, Mike Duman Ford, and Barton Ford.
A special thanks to Wallace Nichols and Edward Cherry, whom he treated like his own sons. The family would also like to thank Ms. Erica and Jeanette Woodson of “A Caring Hand,” the staff at Sentara Obici Hospital, Druscilla Kee, Pernell Ruffin, and Catherine Williams.
Finally, he leaves behind many cherished friends.
The funeral will be Saturday, March 27, 2010 at First Baptist Church on Mahan Street at 1 p.m. Elder Melvin Boone of Angelical Christian Worship Center will officiate. Burial will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Harris Funeral Home has been entrusted with the home going service. You may send condolences to the family at www.vharrisfuneralhome.com.