Billy McGee, Forrest County's longest-serving sheriff, dies at 71
Former Forrest County Sheriff Billy McGee died Wednesday at his home. He served 44 years in law enforcement, including 28 years as sheriff, before retiring at the end of 2019. McGee was 71.
“The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office deeply mourns the passing of former Sheriff Billy McGee," a news release states. "With an impressive 44 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Forrest County, Sheriff McGee retired in 2019 leaving behind a legacy as the longest-serving sheriff in the county’s history. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and former colleagues during this difficult time.”
Services for McGee will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg.
Before he became sheriff in 1992, McGee was a constable in Forrest County, a position he held for 16 years, since he was first elected in 1975 at just 21 years old. He was the youngest constable elected in Mississippi at the time.
McGee attended the University of Southern Mississippi when he first started working at the Forrest County Sheriff's Department.
From there he went on to become the county's longest-tenured sheriff, serving four years more than his predecessor and mentor, Gene Walters, who served six terms.
Forrest County's law enforcement complex is named for the longtime sheriff.
McGee's father was in law enforcement and his mother was a dispatcher for Southern Miss' security office. McGee wanted to be a highway patrolman, but he ended up staying in Forrest County his entire career.
One of the most memorable examples of his leadership in office was after Hurricane Katrina caused devastation in south Mississippi, including Forrest County.
He became a national figure in the days following the hurricane for his daring command of federal resources.
He commandeered a FEMA truck full of ice that was on standby at Camp Shelby and ordered it to be distributed to residents. Although he could have faced federal charges, his actions helped effect change in federal law.
But McGee said in an earlier story that the highlights of his career were in the everyday interactions with the people his office helped.
"I don't feel like I've really accomplished more than any other law enforcement officer," he said. "Some of my warmest thoughts and memories are of times that you are able to help people less fortunate than yourself. It's so rewarding. It makes you feel so much better."
This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Forrest County Sheriff Billy McGee dies at 71
