Mike J. Bee, Jr.

Funeral services for Mike J. Bee, Jr. (“Mikey”), 64, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Lea Joyner Memorial Methodist Church in Monroe, LA, with Rev. Ben McGehee and Rev. Betty Swanson officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe, LA, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd.

Mike was born August 25, 1958, in Monroe, LA, and passed away July 22, 2023, in Baton Rouge, LA.  He spent his career devoted to ULM in many different capacities such as maintenance repairman, concrete finisher, electrician and before retirement was in charge of all the chillers and generators on campus.  Starting work at ULM at a young age, he learned many trades and life lessons from his fellow employees in the Maintenance Shop and cherished his years at ULM with them.

Mikey was preceded in death by his parents, Mike J. Bee, Sr. and Ruby Stephens Bee; father-in-law, Thurman I. Potts; brothers-in-law, Kenny Brown and Dan Potts; and special children (furbabies), Missy, Koko, Savage, Taylor, Patsy, Amy, Hooker and Smoke.

Survivors include his wife, Diane P. Bee; sisters, Joyce B. Bennett (Eldridge) and Janice B. Caples (Tommy); brother, Sammy J. Bee; mother-in-law, Nadine J. Potts (100 years old); sisters-in-law, Jane P. Brown and Nancy P. Roberts; uncle, Bill Wynn; aunts, Nancy Bradford, Christine Tauzin and Irene Jones; best friend, Wild Bill Jenkins (La Donna); his special BeeBee, who adopted him in retirement; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, “old” car buddies, racing buddies and Disney buddies.

Mike and Diane’s paths crossed when Diane came to work at ULM in the payroll department.  They were married on October 17, 1987 and would have shared 36 wonderful years together this year.  Mikey loved anything to do with cars and motors such as tractors, mowers, four-wheelers, scooters, etc.  Mike and Diane moved to the country next to Diane’s sister, built a home and had many wonderful years there enjoying his little 10-acre haven. 

Mikey and Diane were very fortunate to travel frequently and two of his favorite trips were to South Dakota and Washington, D.C.  In recent years they were able to enjoy several trips to Disneyworld with Diane’s boss’s family.  One would think he was a tour guide for Disney where he got to experience being a kid again. 

Pallbearers will be Mike’s nephews, Brent Bennett, Jamie Bee, Joey Bee, Chris Caples, cousin, Marty Jeffery, and close friends, Tim Brown, Ralph Swillie and Roland Hendrix.

Honorary pallbearers will be Eldridge Bennett, Wild Bill Jenkins, Dewey Hunnicutt, Uncle Bill Wynn, his fellow “classic” car buddies, and all of his racing buddies (drag, dirt track and concrete).

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to ULM School of Construction-Potts Fund or Lea Joyner Memorial Methodist Church.

Online registry/condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home

Monroe, Louisiana