A founding member of Clinton’s ‘Singing McKameys’ dies after suffering stroke
Peg McKamey Bean March 31, 1943 - Dec. 26, 2023
PEG MCKAMEY BEAN
Her family reported that she passed away Dec. 26 from complications of a stroke she suffered Dec. 11.
She was one of the founding members of the gospel group, which began in 1954 as a trio with sisters Dora, Peg and Carol McKamey.
The group called it quits on touring with a retirement concert Nov. 23, 2019, at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
After that, their traveling ended, the group’s manager and longtime performer Ruben Bean — husband of Peg Bean — said at the time from the McKameys’ headquarters on North Charles G. Seivers Boulevard in Clinton.
At their retirement, this family of Southern gospel singers consisted of six performers: Ruben and Peg McKamey Bean; their two daughters, Connie Fortner and Sheryl Farris; Connie Fortner’s husband, Roger Fortner; and Eli Fortner, son of Connie and Roger Fortner.
All but Sheryl Farris lived in Clinton; she lives in north Georgia near Chattanooga, where her husband is full-time pastor of a church, Ruben Bean said at the time.
In their nearly four decades on the road – since they began traveling full time in 1980 – the group performed as many as 6,000 concerts, Ruben Bean said – all across the United States and even in Canada.
But the group’s singing goes way back from when they began touring full time in 1980. Bean said his wife was already singing with her two sisters when the two of them met; they married in 1959.
According to the McKameys’ Facebook page:
“The McKameys are a family group based out of Clinton, Tennessee, entering in their sixth decade of spreading God’s message of love and hope through their music.”
In 2016, Peg McKamey Bean was inducted into The Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Here is her obituary, as released by Holly-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton:
“Peg McKamey Bean, a beautiful, talented, and godly lady went home to be with Jesus on Dec. 26.
“Peg was born in Campbell County, Tennessee, to Ed and Velma (Hunter) McKamey. In 1959 she married her best friend, Ruben.
“She was a woman of extraordinary faith, a prayer warrior, an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother living her life for her Lord and for others.
“She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Ruben Bean; two daughters, Connie Fortner (Roger) of Clinton, and Sheryl Farris (Allen) of Rock Spring , Georgia; two sons, Michael Bean of Springfield, Illinois, and Brian Bean (Kim) of Knoxville; grandchildren: Brad Powell (Amy), Elijah Fortner, Nathan Farris (Brittany), Bethany Wooten (Mitchell), and Kristin Bean; great-grandchildren: Tyler, Addyson, and Lauren Powell; Annie and Luke Farris; a sister, Carol Woodard (Jess); three brothers: James McKamey, Robert McKamey, and Andy McKamey (Pam); several nieces, nephews; and a host of in-laws.
“Several loved ones were waiting to welcome her home, including sisters Dora Horton, Mae Pyke, and Mary Brooks; and brothers Lynn, Albert, Bill, and Ed (Bud) McKamey.
“Peg was voted the Singing News Fan Award Favorite Female Singer seven times, and was the recipient of the Marvin Norcross-Templeton Award in 2011. Also, in 2016 Peg was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. And in 2022, she was inducted into the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
“She leaves a legacy of love and faithfulness first to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and also to her family. Though her journey here is complete, her ministry will continue to inspire and encourage others to ‘fight the good fight of faith’ for years to come.
“Adopting a statement from D.L. Moody, Peg often said, ‘If you hear that Peg McKamey is dead, don’t believe it. I’ll be more alive than I’ve ever been!’
“In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Missions at Second Baptist Church, 777 Public Safety Lane, Clinton, TN 37716.”
Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Second Baptist Church in Clinton, with the funeral at 7 p.m.
The interment was private.