Veteran Hall of Fame artist Peg McKamey Bean has completed her earthy journey, passing away December 26, 2023 from complications related to a stroke suffered on December 11, 2023.
Peg McKamey was one of twelve children born to the late Rev. Ed and Velma McKamey. They preceded her in death, as well as brothers Lynn, Albert, Bill, and Bud McKamey, and sisters Mae Pyke, Dora Horton, and Mary Brook.
In 1954, as a teenager, she and her sisters Carol and Dora formed a family trio, The McKameys. Three years later, they asked a young man who would eventually become her husband, Ruben Bean, to play the guitar for them. On June 29, 1959, Peg and Ruben were united in marriage. None of the group imagined the ministry of the McKameys would continue to grow, achieve national recognition, and sustain for some 60+ years. In 1980, after nearly three decades of part-time touring, Peg and her family would take the steps to make theirs a full-time ministry. In 1984, the McKameys scored their first national number one song, “Who Put The Tears In The Eyes Of The Lamb.” It would be a song featuring Peg called “God On The Mountain” that would become their signature song, a career-making hit that would forever solidify the group as undeniably successful and fan-favorites everywhere. Much of the group’s success could be attributed to Peg and her ability to pick great songs, read a crowd, and the enthusiastic way she worshiped as they performed. The group thrilled audiences and shared the gospel message with sincerity and passion on numerous stages until November 2019, when the group officially retired from full-time touring. During her career, Peg won the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Female Singer seven times (1989-1994, 2002) and was the recipient of the Norcross-Templeton Award in 2011. She was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
Peg is survived by her husband, Ruben Bean, daughters Connie Fortner and Sheryl Farris, sons Michael Bean and Brian Bean, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister Carol (Jess) Woodard whom she toured and ministered with over 30 years, as well as brothers, Robert McKamey, Jay McKamey, and Andy McKamey.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete but will be announced when Singing News is made aware of them. Please pray for Ruben and the family.
Written by Barbara Huffman.
