By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
When people discuss a “local” they are often referring to a person who has lived in a place for their whole life. If that is the case, then Johnnie McGee would definitely be considered a Madison “local.” McGee has lived in Madison all of his life, adding up to nearly 70 years.
McGee grew up on Rocky Ford Road in Madison. He attended elementary and high school in Madison. When he was younger, he and his friends would spend time at the Suwannee River Junior College playing football, baseball, basketball and tennis. They would also play horseshoes and shoot marbles.
Growing up, until 1966, McGee’s job was farming. After that he worked at a feed mill for a couple of years. Then, in 1969, McGee began working for Norfolk Southern railroads. Norfolk Southern was a railroad company based in Macon and Atlanta, Ga., Jacksonville and Roanoke, Va.
While working for Norfolk Southern, McGee’s job responsibilities included repairing tracks, putting on tires, laying railing and unloading railing. After 33 years of working for Norfolk Southern, McGee retired in 2002.
McGee spent a lot of his life working for Norfolk Southern, staying in motels and working long days. However, he knew that when he came home, his wife would be there, as would his five children. McGee met his wife Marionette through a friend, and they were married for 32 years. Their children are Johnnie Jr., Willie, Shirley, Linda and Mervin.
When they were younger, Johnnie and Marionette would go on dates to the drive-in theatre in Madison. Back in those days, Madison had drive-ins and two movie theatres. They did most of their shopping in Madison as well, going to Pantry Pride and Pick-n-Save.
Anyone interested in being interviewed for this article can call 973-4141 and make an appointment with Kristin Finney, or may drop by Greene Publishing, Inc. any day before noon. Those interviewed must have lived in Madison for a large portion of their life, and be able to recall a few things that have changed since that time.
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