Tuesday, September 2, 2014 5:22 pm

Roger Hornsby McKee, a former Major League Baseball player and sport enthusiast passed away September 1, 2014 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. Born on September 16, 1926 he was the son of the late Broadus Lee and Gertie Spencer McKee. He graduated from Shelby High School and attended Southern Business College and Gardner-Webb University. He served in the U. S. Navy in the Pacific and participated in the funeral for FDR.   Roger was a well-known athlete. He pitched baseball for Shelby High School. He led the local American Legion Team to Shelby’s first State Championship. He signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1943 at the age of 16. He appeared as a relief pitcher in several games and shortly after turning 17 he pitched and won a complete game. He holds the record as the youngest winning pitcher in modern baseball. He played pro ball for 14 years. Later Roger served on the baseball coaching staff at Shelby High School and the American Legion team. In 2009 the Philadelphia Phillies honored Roger during the Phillies Alumni weekend. He retired from the U. S. Postal service after 30 years. Roger served on the Board of Directors for Gardner-Webb University Bulldog Club and the Shelby Parks and Recreational Board. He was a member of First Baptist Church and the Chris White Sunday School Class. In addition to his parents, Roger is preceded in death by a brother, Bill McKee and a sister Margie McKee Gettys.

Roger is survived by his wife of 70 years, Denice Spangler McKee; a son, Roger McKee, Jr. and wife Barbara of Shelby; a sister, Elissa Bright and husband Glenn of Shelby; two grandsons, Bradford D. McKee and wife Michelle, and Brian P. McKee; and one great grandson, Isaac James McKee.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday September 5, 2014 in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, with Military Honors, with Rev. Perry Holleman officiating. Burial will follow at Double Shoals Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Thursday at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and other times at the home. .

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church 120 N Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28150 or Roger McKee Baseball Scholarship, GWU Attention Becky Robbins, PO Box 997, Boiling Springs NC 28017

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com