Bernard L. Kee, Jr.

Bernard L. Kee, Jr., a native of Madison, Mississippi, and a resident of Pachuta, passed away at the age of 71 on October 28, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Bud was born October 21, 1955, in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Bernard L. Kee, Sr. and Harriette Luckett Kee. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School and went on to attend Hinds Community College. It was there that he fell in love with hands-on problem solving, building a foundation of hard work and curiosity that would define his entire life. For 50 years, Bud worked in the commercial refrigeration and heating and air conditioning industry. To Bud, HVAC wasn't just a job—it was a way to take care of the community. He dedicated his life to helping others and became known to many as “Big Bud” and “Mr. Fix-It”.

While raising his daughter Katie in Jackson, Bud met the love of his life, Caroline, at Gridley’s Barbecue, and they soon welcomed their daughter Camille. Bud was a devoted husband and father and the epitome of a girl dad; he was a presence at every basketball game, church event, and college move in day.

Bud was known far and wide for his cooking talents; he loved Nascar, fishing, and his Mississippi State Bulldogs and was never afraid to ring his cow bell proudly after a bulldog win. Bud will be remembered for his quick wit, legendary red beans and rice, generosity, and ability to fix anything.

At the time of his death, Bud was a resident at Lake Eddins in Pachuta, MS with his wife, Caroline. After retiring in November at the age of 70, he was learning to enjoy a slower paced life filled with family time and fishing. One of Bud’s favorite roles in life was being “Pop” to David, Caroline, Zack, and Jackson; he beamed telling stories about his grandchildren.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Sr. and Harriette; his brother-in-law, Lamar Frazier and his nephew, John Frazier.

He is survived by his wife, Caroline; his daughters, Camille (Wil) Cobb and Katie (JT) Varner; his grandchildren, David, Caroline, Zack, and Jack; his sisters, Ann Frazier and Tricia (Billy) Alford; his brother, Charlie Kee; his nephew, Bobby (Kelsey) Alford; his cousins and his beloved in laws, Carol (John) Simon and Earl (Linda) Monk.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 22342 Evangeline Rd, Pass Christian, MS 39571, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Reception will follow Mass in the Holy Family Conference Center.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is honored to serve the family. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Catholic Charities Diocese of Jackson, MS or St. Jude Children's Hospital.