Walter Magee, lovingly known as Popeye, formerly from Megargel, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 in Tyler, Texas.  He was 83.

A celebration of life service for Popeye will be held at 11 am, Friday, June 23, 2023 at Lunn Funeral Home with Scotte Clark, minister of Hamilton Street Church of Christ, officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn Funeral Home of Olney, Texas.

Walter was born on May 11, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Vernon and Gladys Magee.  Walter graduated from high school in Michigan and enlisted in the United States Navy.  He began his Navy service on a minesweeper ship around Europe and the Mediterranean.  Walter married Celia Fogarty in 1967.  He spent 6 years with VX-6 in New Zealand and Antarctica.  Walter then served at Camp David and was still stationed there when he retired after 20 years in 1978.  After retirement, the family moved to Megargel, Texas to join his parents and siblings.  He was an active member at the Megargel Church of Christ until it closed. Walter was employed by Olney ISD, working at Olney Junior High and in his free time tried to develop his golf game.  While at OJHS, he was given the nickname Popeye and enjoyed laughs, pranks, and jokes throughout the years, including taping many lockers shut.  Popeye retired after 30 years at Olney ISD in 2009.  After Celia retired, they moved to Alpine, Texas to spend more time with their youngest grandchildren. He loved to spend time with their grandchildren, golf, camp, and watch the Alpine Cowboys play baseball.

Popeye was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Edward, Howard Glenn, and George; his sisters Edith Pociask and Hazel McQueen.  Popeye is survived by his wife Celia, of Tyler, Texas; three children: Diane Harding and husband Adam of Palestine, Texas; Carl Magee and wife Christy of Wichita Falls, Texas; Jennifer Ray and husband David of Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.  Six grandchildren: Justice Egler and wife Jay of South Hadley, Massachusetts, Destiny Sears and husband Mark of San Jose, California; Jessica Cortez of Wichita Falls, Texas; Georgia Magee of Wichita Falls, Texas; Hasan Ray and Layla Ray of Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.  Three great-grandchildren: Corey and Cash of Wichita Falls and Skylar of South Hadley; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Memorials may be made to: Megargel Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 62 Megargel, TX 76370, online with the Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.lunnfuneralhome.com