JD McBee

Dr. J. D. McBee, 93, died Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by his family in Cleburne, Texas.

He was born to the late Gussie and Julia McBee, July 26, 1932, in Brady, Texas. He married his loving wife of 66 years, Junell Carlson on January 26, 1952. He graduated from Brady High School, North Texas University, and served the U.S. Army in Korea in a MASH unit dental corps. After his discharge, he completed his studies at the University of Texas Dental Branch in 1960.

He and Junell moved to Smithville in 1960 where he practiced as a dentist for 51 years, known simply as “Doc” to many. He served generations of families and provided care to so many. He was very devoted to his family and was lovingly known as Papa to his grandchildren.

Dr. McBee believed in service and was very active in the Smithville community and assisted in many capacities at First Baptist Church, including teaching Sunday School for more than 30 years, serving as a deacon, and serving on the committees that built the new sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. He also served on the Smithville City Council, as Smithville ISD School Board president, and in Lion’s Club. Many of the public buildings in Smithville bear his name because his vision and dedication were instrumental in their construction.

He was a man of many talents and interests. He was skilled with his hands and loved a project. He was a well-known custom knife maker, an accomplished carpenter and woodworker. He spent many years collecting guns and was an avid hunter. Papa wanted to ensure that legacy continued, so he made certain that each of his grandchildren had the opportunity to hunt with him.

J. D. is survived by his daughter Kay Lynn Logan and her husband Neal of Cleburne, Texas; son Greg McBee and his wife Amy of Madisonville, Texas; brother, Daymon McBee of Brady, TX; grandchildren Josh McBee (Erika) of Austin, TX; Jonathan McBee (Anna) of Austin, TX; Hillary Whitfield (John) of Plano, TX; Hailey McNutt and fiancé Koulick Sankar Paul of Centerton, AR; Cash Gillespie (Seth) of Hamilton, TX; Chase McBee of Madisonville, TX; five step grandsons and their families; and six great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear family friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Junell, his parents, and one grandson, William Henning McBee.

We honor the memory of J. D. McBee, whose life touched those around him. He will be remembered for his contributions and the impact he made on his family, friends, and community. His presence will be deeply missed, and his legacy cherished by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the caring and helpful staff at Santa Fe Trails and Wings over Texas Hospice, in Cleburne, TX for the wonderful care he received in the last years of his life.

The family is requesting donations in J.D.’s memory be made to First Baptist Church, Smithville, TX.

Services to celebrate JD's life will be Monday, November 3, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Smithville, Texas. family and friends will gather for visitation from 10:00am to 11:00am and the service will begin at 11:00am with burial following at Oak Hill Cemetery.