Joe Tom McRee

Joe Tom McRee passed peacefully from his earthly home into his heavenly one on November 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Joe was born on February 26, 1943, to Robert Dan and Lucille Ivy McRee of Bellaire, Texas. One of nine children in a large and loving family, Joe was affectionately known as “Tommy” to his siblings. At just 17 years old, he left home to join the Army, beginning a life of travel and adventure that would take him around the world. But nothing could compare to the life God had in store for him when he met and married the love of his life, Wilma Grantham of McAlester, Oklahoma.

Joe and Willie shared more than 50 years of marriage, building a beautiful life centered around the family they loved so dearly. Together, they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Amy, in Yukon, Oklahoma.

After Jesus and his family, golf was Joe’s greatest passion. He and Willie shared a love for the game, enjoying courses across the country, from Pinehurst to Palm Springs. But none held a more special place in his heart than Karsten Creek in Stillwater—even inspiring the name of their first grandson. Over the years, Joe and Willie spent countless days on the links with their dearest friends and, eventually, their daughters and sons-in-law. Some of his happiest days ended just as he loved them best: with a round of golf followed by a family barbecue by the pool.

Joe had a remarkable appreciation for the simple joys of life. He loved all kinds of music and was never content simply to listen. Before long, his singing would turn into a family sing-along and, inevitably, an impromptu dance party. He had a special way of turning an ordinary family gathering into a celebration.

He loved his backyard almost as much as the golf course, whether enjoying a summer day by the pool or grilling steaks on the barbecue. And no good meal was complete without something sweet. Joe never met a treat he didn’t love, whether it was an apple fritter for breakfast or key lime pie for dessert. He certainly didn’t discriminate!

One of his final meals consisted of three bowls of ice cream, after which he declared, “Nothing better than eating ice cream in bed and going to see Jesus.” That was Joe—happy, funny, content, and every bit as sweet as the treats he loved.

Beyond family time and golf, Joe loved reading books about Bible prophecy and keeping up with the latest news about Israel. He was a wealth of knowledge about history and had an insatiable curiosity and zest for learning. He enjoyed talking aviation and politics with his grandson and son-in-law, and all things grandkids with his girls. He and Willie loved cheering on the Thunder and Cowboys and could often be found calling out their guesses to the television while watching Wheel of Fortune.

Above all, the most important relationship in Joe’s life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. His unwavering trust in the Lord carried him through every season of life and gave him peace through its storms, especially in his final days. One of his favorite verses was Romans 8:28: “The Lord works ALL things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” These words reflected the depth of his faith and now bring comfort to his family, who find peace in knowing Joe is home with the Savior he loved and trusted so faithfully.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Wilma McRee; his daughters, Jennifer Machala and her husband, Cody, and Amy Weinstock and her husband, Joe; and his cherished grandchildren, Kylie Stoll and her husband, Connor; Sophia and Luke Bulman; Karsten Machala; and Milly, Harper, and Ben Weinstock. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Stella Grace Stoll, daughter of Kylie and Connor, who brought him yet another reason to smile.

Above all, Joe will be remembered as a man who loved his family well. He was generous and thoughtful, sensitive and strong. He cherished the people God had so graciously placed in his life and understood that the greatest blessings were never found in the things we accumulate, but in the people we love and the moments we hold closest.

His life was full, his laughter unforgettable, and his memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Though our hearts are broken by his absence, we rejoice in the promise of his eternal home and find comfort in knowing that one day, we will see him again.