MILFORD - The Reverend Michael Joseph McGee died of surgical complications the evening of Saturday, July 7, 2012. He was surrounded by his family, and the prayers of those who cared for him. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, and minister, the ache of his untimely loss is felt acutely by many. He died as he lived, trusting in God and in certain hope of the resurrection. A good and faithful servant of the Lord, he has now entered into the joy of his Master's house. Affectionately known to many as Pastor Mike, he was the minister at Christ United Methodist Church in Laurel, Del., where he continued even through his illness to inspire his congregation to acts of Christian love. He had only recently graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C. with formal certification as a local minister in the United Methodist Church. Previously, Pastor Mike had been minister of the parish of Grace United Methodist Church in Georgetown, Del., which also included historic McColley's Chapel and Sand Hill Church, which he was instrumental in reviving to active church status. He was particularly known for his ministry to the aged, sick, and dying, as well as his tireless work to aid those who had fallen on hard times. He is survived by his wife, Kathy McGee (nee Hayes); his son, Adam Michael McGee; his son, Daniel Joseph McGee and Rachel Silkworth; his mother, Mary McGee; his sister, Patricia Bostonian and John Bostonian; his sister, Carol Rykiel and Walter "Boots" Rykiel; his sister, Kathi Smith and Joel Smith; his sister-in-law, Linda Hayes; his sister-in-law, Nancy Meredith and Jack Meredith; and by his large extended family. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, in his family's parish at Calvary United Methodist Church 301 S.E. Front St, Milford, Delaware. Interment will take place later during a private service at Sand Hill Church, Milton, Delaware. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the soup kitchen at Christ United Methodist Church, 510 South Central Avenue, Laurel, Delaware 19956. Donations made in Pastor Mike's memory will be used to continue his ministry of caring for those in need. Arrangements handled by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.