Robert D. McGee

Robert David “Tony” McGee died peacefully after a brief stay at the Summit in Lakeway on July 19, 2014 at the age of 85 years.  Born in Dallas on June 5th, 1929 to Robert Goodloe “Mag” McGee and Florence “Flo” Ryan McGee, Tony spent most of his younger years in Waxahachie, Texas, later moving to Nacogdoches, Texas where he graduated high school in 1947.  He entered into the UT Business School the same year, soon transferring to the UT Law School, but was sidelined by the Korean War at which time he joined the Air Force with a rank of Second Lieutenant.  After a promotion and two years of service, First Lieutenant McGee was discharged in September of 1954.  In the same year, he re-entered UT Law and four months after graduation, Tony was admitted into the Texas Bar Association in 1956.

In the same year, Tony married Clara Beth “C.B.” Smith with whom he was married for 54 years.  The couple had two children and lived at in Austin, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Tyler, Waxahachie and Houston.

His law career began at the Texas Attorney General’s Office during which time his work involved acquisitions of right of way for IH-35 which was being constructed at the time.

Later, he joined Humble Oil & Refining Company based in Houston, which later became known as Exxon specializing in personal injury lawsuits.  In 1983, he retired from Exxon as Vice President and General Counsel.

A close friend introduced Tony and C.B. to Wimberley, Texas and it was there that they moved and built a home at that time.  After a few years of practicing law in Wimberley, he formally retired from his law practice in 1986.

Forever active in the community, one of Tony’s greatest joys was when he took on the position of sports writer for the Wimberley View in 1996.  He found the work especially rewarding and especially enjoyed covering the high school football teams and the girl’s volleyball teams – often traveling with the team to various events and championships.

In May 2000, and only days after being released from the hospital for open heart surgery, Tony campaigned for and was elected as Alderman for Wimberley’s first ever City Council.  A few years later, he was elected and served as Mayor of Wimberley until he stepped down in May 2004 at nearly 75 years of age.

Tony continued to be very active in the community.  He was a long term member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, a life member of the Lion’s Clubs and volunteered in many different capacities in the community.  He was an orator, a diplomat and a gifted conversationalist and humorist – always offering a ready smile to all and gaining one in return.  He was a man of integrity, a very determined and driven individual, persevering through polio, diabetes and numerous heart problems, but sadly, in 2009, a stroke ended his speaking and writing capabilities, sidelining his greatest passions.  He continued to live at home however, until 2014 when yet again, another stroke forced a move to Austin where his family could be closer to him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, C.B. McGee in August 2010 and by his sister, Carol “Teddy” Peterson in July 2012.

He is survived by daughter Michelle McGee, son Michael McGee, daughter in law Sandra McGee and two grandchildren, Jason and Christina McGee all of whom loved and respected him very much.

The family wishes to thank Bobbie Mays, the Summit at Lakeway and Heart to Heart Hospice for their wonderful support.

Graveside service will be held Friday July 25th 11:00 A.M. at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church Cemetery, reception to follow.

Thomason Funeral Home (512) 847-2226.