Michael Stephen Kees II

Michael “Stephen” Kees II, 31, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2014 in Decatur County, due to injuries from a car accident. He was born June 23, 1982, in LaGrange, Georgia, the son of Michael Stephen Kees I and Rebecca A. (Arrowood) Gattis. He is survived by his mother of Shelbyville; step-father, Christopher G. Gattis and wife, Ann, of Huntsville, Alabama and his father and wife, Dreama, of Spartanburg, South Carolina; daughter, Markiah Elizabeth Miller-Kees of Shelbyville; son, Michael Stephen Kees III of Cameron, North Carolina; sisters, Aimee E. Tillison and husband, Jeremy and Andrea Potter, both of Shelbyville, and McKenna Kees of Spartanburg; step-brother, Jacob Kees of Spartanburg; grandparents, Mike and Lavenia Kees of Quitman, Georgia, Jerry and Carlotta Gattis of Huntsville; nephews, Ethan Tillison and Drake Tillison niece, Kennedy Martin; aunt, Jamie McCranie and husband, David, of Tallahassee, Florida; cousin, Brandon McCranie and wife, Christina, and children. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James W. Arrowood and Betty P. and Jarrell Latimer. Stephen graduated from Shelbyville High School in 2000. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Shelbyville. Stephen was a 10 year veteran of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne, receiving the rank of Sergeant. He completed three oversea tours He was a member of King Solomon Masonic Lodge No. 62, Hanau, Germany, Prince Hall Washington Jurisdiction and the Veteran of Foreign Wars in Shelbyville. Stephen loved his children and family. He enjoyed sports and music, often writing his own lyrics. He was a fun loving individual, bringing joy to others. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church, 124 W. Broadway St., in Shelbyville. Masonic services will be at 12:45 p.m. Saturday at the church, with funeral services following. Military rites will conclude the service, conducted by the local military committee. Cremation to follow. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Stephen Kees II Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home.