Gossie Delano Mckee

Gossie Delano McKee (also known as Garcia), 92, born on March 11, 1920, in Quincy, Florida to Ellen Jones McKee, passed away May 9, 2012. Gossie spent his childhood in the Quincy area. Eventually he moved west, living in Grand Falls, Montana; Portland, Oregon; Nevada, and Seattle, Washington before settling in Los Angeles, California. Garcia spent his early years as a musician playing with various bands and musicians including Ray Charles and Eddie Coles. In 1954, he joined the Merchant Marines; he was discharged on September 17, 1986.
He was married to Lucy Viola Moss in Tampa Florida on April 15, 1938 at the age of 18. On October 7, 1959, he married Lillian Randolph in Elko County, Nevada. Lillian and Garcia enjoyed 21 years of marriage.
Garcia was active during his retirement. He spent a great deal of time with family and friends, traveling regularly to Florida to visit family and loved ones. He loved golfing and church activities, his extended 'family' in California occupied a good deal of his time. Music also remained a strong love of Garcia's.
In March of 1998 Garcia suffered a severe stroke that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body. He moved to Temecula, Ca to live with Clarence and Marilyn Lee. Although his speech and movement was impaired, he continued to exhibit a love of live and a passion for people for the remainder of his life.
He resided in Escondido, California at the time of his passing.
Garcia was preceded in death by his mother Ellen McKee, his wife, Lillian Randolph McKee; his daughter, Elizabeth Ann McKee; his dear friend and companion, Ella Mae Norman; friend and caregiver Clarence E. Lee, and his granddaughter, Cynthia Ann Martin. He leaves to cherish his memory his niece, Sabrina Marlene Scott, his step grandson, Daren Randolph Singletary, and his extended family- Marilyn Lee , Nona Marie Lee ,Terry and Cindy Woodruff, Mara-Lee Greiner, Dustin Cole Woodruff, Patrick Trent Greiner, Kateri Lynn Marie Greiner, Tara Kathryn-Boyd Woodruff, Anjali Vick, Kenneth and Gale Lee, Kira Lee and Myra Lee.
Garcia left a lasting mark in the hearts of those he loved and the world in general through his music and his service and care for others. Garcia touched the lives of many, he will be deeply missed.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA.
The family and friends wish to acknowledge the prayers, messages, flowers, and expression of kindness and support during this difficult time.