Roger Allen Megee's Obituary
Roger Allen Megee (72), of Lakeland, FL, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and great-uncle/pseudo-grandpa passed away at home, lovingly surrounded by his wife and kids on February 5, 2024 after a hard battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Roger was born December 2,1951 to parents Thomas Allen and Gypsy Wayne Megee in Wilmore, KY. He was an athletic and hard working young man. He graduated from Oak Hills H.S. in Cincinnati, OH. After high school graduation, he attended Eastern Kentucky University where he made several life long friends. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and worked in law enforcement for the state of Kentucky. He later attended the University of Kentucky, graduating with a business degree in accounting.
He met the love of his life, Tari Hartley in Lexington, KY while she was visiting a college friend. The two were married August 1,1981. Roger became a father in February, 1983 when daughter Ashley was born. Tari and Roger welcomed their second child, Kevin in December 1986. Fatherhood was undoubtedly Roger's fondest role. He was incredibly proud of his children and proud to be able to provide every opportunity he could for them.
The family moved to west Michigan in 1988 and Roger joined in business with his brother Martin Megee with Megee Printing. After Marty moved away, Roger further grew the business to be Megee Print Document Solutions. He retired in 2015.
Living in West Michigan allowed Roger to spend ample time on the water. Whether it be on inland lakes or Lake Michigan, Roger was in love with the water and in particular sailing. Roger obtained his Captains license and soon he was most often found on his or someone else's boat!
In 2017, Roger and Tari sailed their 44 foot sailboat (S/V Paradise Hunter) from South Haven, MI through the Erie Canal into NY Harbor and down the east coast to the Bahamas where they spent two winters living aboard their boat.
Roger never met a stranger and his outgoing and fun-loving personality was infectious!
He said "I've lived a good life, had a great wife and great kids and family, and have done many things that many people only dream of."
Roger js preceded in death by his mother (Gypsy Megee) and aunts/uncles.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Tari Megee of Lakeland, FL; his father, Thomas Megee of Lakeland, FL; mother-in-law Louan Hartley of Hilliard, OH; daughter Ashley Megee of Tampa FL, son Kevin Megee of Portage, MI; his brother, Martin Megee of Nicholasville, KY; sister-in- law Tami Anderson and husband Robert of Dublin, OH; nephew James David (J.D.) Casto of Orlando, FL; niece Mara Clay and husband John of Nicholasville, KY; niece Mallory Detisch and husband Michael of Lexington, KY; niece Brittany Anderson of Charleston SC; Great-nieces Maci and Emma Clay; great-nephews Jack Clay and Arlo Detisch.
A tribute page has been created. Please feel free to leave comments and/or donations to his fund for the continued research of MDS. Here is the link to his tribute page: https://fundraise.moffitt.org/rogermegee
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