Charles Edward McGee

Charles Edward McGee, (Age 57),of Camp Springs, Maryland, transitioned into eternal rest on July 26, 2012, at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Maryland, following a lengthy illness. He was the second child born on February 25, 1955, in Clarksdale, Mississippi to the late Emma Lou McGee-Sanders and Llewelyn B. Lenard. Charles gave his life to Jesus Christ at an early age, and consequently, he dedicated his life following the word of his Lord and Savior. During beginning stages of his illness, Charles leaned on his Lord for strength, guidance, love and understanding, and thus, renewed his faith and commitment in 2008. He chose the Marlboro Meadows Baptist Church located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, under the leadership of Rev. Marcellous A. Buckner as his place of fellowship. He graduated from Augusta High School in Augusta, Arkansas in 1973. Following graduation, Charles enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving in the Navy, he held various positions such as Aviation Machinist's Mate and Aircraft Mechanic. After completing 4 years of active duty at the Meridian Naval Base in Meridian, Mississippi, Charles enlisted in the Naval Reserve for 2 years before receiving an Honorable Discharge. After leaving Navy Armed Forces completely in 1977, Charles moved to the Washington Metropolitan area where he held several jobs until he assumed a Security Officer's position with the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, DC, in 1978. During his 28 years of employment with the Smithsonian Institution, Charles was trained in the art of weaponry and honored frequently for his outstanding performance as a loyal and dedicated employee. Charles was repeatedly described as upbeat, witty, intelligent, and caring. He had several hobbies that brought joy to his life such as: fishing, reading and football. He was a devoted Redskins fan (Doug Williams was his favorite Quarterback) to all who knew him, and they promised not to hold it against him. Charles was also an avid gun collector and he thoroughly enjoyed educating himself on everything involving weapons. He believed in safety first. He found solace in cleaning, dismantling and reassembling his vast collection of weapons, in addition to, making his own ammunition to which he frequently fired at the shooting range. His passion was sharp shooting. Charles united in Holy Matrimony to Candelaria Serbinio on November 5, 1982. They had one child, Yaminah McGee, whom he adored. Charles was preceded in death by his brothers, James Sanders and Lee Barry McGee; his grandmothers, Elnora Brason and Queen Robinson-Lenard; his grandfathers, Edward McGee and Anderson Lenard. Charles is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Candelaria McGee; his daughter, Yaminah McGee; his three granddaughters, Jasmine and Jania Jones, and Brianna Tucker; his five brothers, Larry McGee (Ann), Chris McGee, Rickey Sanders, Daniel Sanders, and Derek Sanders; three sisters, Patricia Sanders Jackson, Loretta Sanders and Tammala Sanders; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles Edward McGee please visit our Sympathy Store.