Funeral held for Johnston County couple killed in Four Oaks accident
FOUR OAKS, N.C. (WTVD) -- Saturday marked the funeral for an elderly couple who died in a tragic crash in Four Oaks. However, those who knew and loved them say their legacy and the impact they had on their community will live on.
Photos: Robert and Melba McGee
Every Friday night, the infectious sounds of a banjo and other instruments would ring through a building many in the McGee crossroads community have known as "The Music Barn." That music has gone silent, for now, following the death of the husband and wife who, for years, would open their doors to the public.
On Saturday, a funeral was held for the well-known and much-loved couple, Robert and Melba McGee. They died Wednesday afternoon when another driver crossed the center line and crashed into their vehicle. Both were killed instantly, leaving their many friends and family mourning their loss.
"They were beautiful people and the love of God shined through their smiles," recalled a tearful cousin, Kim Graham. "They were always welcoming, there was always joy, always love."
The sudden shock of their deaths and the void it's leaving in the area where their family has lived for generations has hit hard for many in the community. That was evident by the huge showing at Johnson Memorial Church. So many people turned out to pay their respects that the church parking lot was full, cars were wrapped around the front and sides of the building, and a parking lot for ball fields across the street was also completely filled.
It was a turnout that came as no surprise to those who were there and had their lives touched by the caring couple.
"It's a wonderful testimony to their devotion to their, to people just in general, and to their way of life, and that's showing people that they were special," said Graham.
The couple was said to be very much in love, having been married for 58 years. And, if nothing else, those who knew and loved them can take some solace in knowing that they died as they did everything else in life - together.
