Heaven Welcomes Peg McKamey Bean

Peg, one of twelve children born to the late Rev. Ed and Velma McKamey, was predeceased by her parents, as well as brothers Lynn, Albert, Bill, and Bud McKamey, and sisters Mae Pyke, Dora Horton, and Mary Brook. In 1954, at the age of 17, she and her sisters Carol and Dora formed the family group, The McKameys. Three years later, they invited a young guitarist, Ruben Bean, to join them; he would later become Peg’s husband on June 29, 1959. What began as a family pastime blossomed into a nationally recognized ministry spanning over six decades. In 1980, The McKameys transitioned to full-time touring, achieving their first national number-one song, “Who Put The Tears In The Eyes Of The Lamb,” in 1984. However, it was their signature song, “God On The Mountain,” a Peg McKamey feature, that catapulted them to enduring success and widespread fan adoration. Peg’s talent for song selection, her ability to connect with audiences, and her passionate worship style were instrumental to the group’s remarkable achievements. The McKameys continued to share their gospel message with sincerity and enthusiasm until their retirement from full-time touring in November 2019. Throughout her career, Peg earned numerous accolades, including seven Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Female Singer (1989-1994, 2002) and the prestigious Norcross-Templeton Award in 2011. In 2016, she was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame.

Peg is survived by her husband, Ruben Bean; daughters Connie Fortner and Sheryl Farris; sons Michael Bean and Brian Bean; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her sister Carol (Jess) Woodard, with whom she toured and ministered for over 30 years. She is also survived by brothers Robert, Jay, and Andy McKamey.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Singing News. The family requests prayers during this difficult time.

Written by Barbara Huffman.