Darryl Bowdre swears in Broderick McGee during a city council meeting at City Hall in Tyler, Texas, on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. (Chelsea Purgahn/Tyler Morning Telegraph File Photo)

Friends and family of longtime Tyler city councilmember Broderick McGee gathered May 2 at the Veretta and Jesse E. Rider Fine and Performing Arts Center to honor him for his service.

“It’s so good to see all of you here this evening,” McGee said. “I’m not gonna say celebrate me, but just come to enjoy the fellowship because I feel like what I did for the last six years was what God had intended for me to do, and some of you have been along with me for the entire journey.”

McGee has served six years — three two-year terms — as District 2 representative on the city council. District 2 in Tyler spans from Highway 31 West to the South Southwest Loop 323, ending near Fresh on Old Jacksonville Highway. Residents will vote for a new representative on Saturday, May 4.

“People keep asking me, “So what are you going to do next,” McGee said. “I don’t know… I’m sure somebody will draft me into something.”

He said many in attendance at Thursday’s gathering were present when he initially announced his candidacy at the Rose Garden in 2018. He thanked them for their support throughout his journey as a councilmember.

His peers spoke of his many talents as a musician, baker, leader, mentor, and delegator, and his love for classic cars, comedy and worship. Elected officials Shirley McKellar and James Wynne also shared their experiences working alongside McGee on the city council.

“It’s been a pleasure to actually work with you over the last five years,” McKellar said. “On behalf of the City of Tyler, your mayor Don Warren, and all of the city council, we appreciate the service you’ve given to this community.”

East Texas radio personality Kenneth Butler spoke about McGee’s passion for gospel music and resilient service to his church and community.

“He’s dedicated to just about whatever he does; anything he does, it’s gonna be top-notch, or he’s not going to do it,” said Lawrence Harper, president of Custom Truckers, where McGee is vice president.

Kristen Harris, Tyler Family Circle of Care CEO, said in addition to McGee’s exceptional government work, he’s dedicated to his professional career as the medical group’s chief human resources officer.

Harris said McGee listens to employees’ concerns and actually takes action to improve their workplace. He makes a difference in their lives by engaging people and their families and making them happy to come to work.

“I believe in the leadership, the resilience, and one more thing: the humbleness that he has,” Butler said. “If we could all mirror a leader like that, then we would all be in a good place.”

Registered voters living in District 2 can vote for a new council representative from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. For a list of polling locations and candidate information, visit tylerpaper.com/elections.