Sometimes it hits close to home.

When I chatted with the publisher at a media event in early 2008, I’d mentioned a market segment not well served by the then-existing Outdoor Wire and Shooting Wire. That spawned this service for the armed professional – government, private security, law enforcement, military – and for the armed citizen interested in personal protection. He agreed and asked when I could begin.

Some time later, before launch, he told me he’d engaged Tiger McKee to write features for us. I knew of Tiger and I was happy to have him along.

In the years that followed, his “Skill Set” features have graced our Thursday editions nearly without fail. He’s written for some of our ‘one-off’ special editions and has been a great asset to the service, to our subscribers and to readers who “just found us.”

He’s taken on a more impressive client and went to serve that client on Sunday, 16 April.

My memories of Tiger largely have to do with phone calls – he preferred the phone to emails – and a funny chance meeting at a SHOT Show some years back in the Streamlight booth.

His editorial schedule was “whatever bothered (him) at the time.” As he moved more into revolver-smithing and knife-making, he wrote more about DIY projects. And he was still a hit with Tactical Wire readers.

He was busy. When he came aboard the wires, he was already writing for publication and had authored at least one book – soon to add more, as well as teaching at his property, the Shootrite Academy. He had been an adjunct at Thunder Ranch. Aside from being a subject matter expert, his main role was as a communicator.

As he’d been involved in working on “hot rods” in his youth, he had “the gift.” He made knives and worked on guns, finally settling on the creation of his “Chopper” modifications of S&W revolvers. He was immersed in detail and making the guns fit his vision.

Comments from friends:

I’ve known Tiger for some 20 years and he’s always been an unfailing gentleman. I asked him to write the Tactics and Training column in American Handgunner some years ago and each one was a delight to read and always made me think. Tiger was popular with readers and his students, and for plenty of good reasons. Over the past few years, I’ve had the genuine pleasure of working with Tiger as he’s developed his particular touch when it came to building innovative defensive revolvers and knives. As with his training, Tiger broke new ground with his build ideas and will leave a legacy of kindness, concern, talent and honesty.
Roy Huntington, Special Projects Editor, FMG Publications

Tom Gresham introduced me to Tiger McKee years ago. Tiger impressed me with his teaching abilities that day - and every time we got together after that. He never claimed to be anything except a student of learning/teaching. No ninja, SEAL Team, SWAT, Ranger foolishness. Yet a much-referenced copy of Tiger’s The Book of Two Guns is my “go-to” authority when I’m struggling with my shooting. Reading it, I hear his Southern drawl as plainly (and slowly) as if he were in the room with me. Today, I wish he were in the room so I could tell him how much I appreciate what he taught me, and the friend he’d become. Instead, all I have is my dog-eared book and one of his Shootrite knives to remind me of yet another friend who’s gone on ahead, but I look forward to seeing again.

Jim Shepherd, Publisher, Outdoor Wire Digital Network

Remembering Tiger -- Many people get labeled as "different," but with Tiger it cemented who he was, and we're all richer for that.

Insatiably curious, Tiger always asked if there was a better way. A better way to carry, to draw, to shoot, to clear malfunctions. He studied those who came before him and adopted their teachings, but he also continued to question and test, to see if there was a better way. Maybe more importantly, he studied how to teach. Through his constant quest for knowledge, he became a premier firearms instructor.

Almost two decades ago I created the first TV series about personal protection with firearms -- Personal Defense TV. Clint and Heidi Smith (of Thunder Ranch fame) turned me onto this young instructor in Alabama, and the first video shoot was memorable for me. When we had lunch with Tiger and the video crew, this soft-talking, smooth and polite Alabama teacher invoked a near revolt with my camera operators, who came to me before we got to the range to say this guy had no screen presence or energy. It would be a disaster, they said.

I had seen Tiger teach. I wasn't worried.

When the cameras rolled, we got the FULL TIGER treatment, with drill instructor delivery, clear instructions, and savant-level ability to impart knowledge. In short, it was great.

To know Tiger, read his incredible book, The Book Of Two Guns. Written in his own handwriting and drawings, it's the notebook of his journey to learn martial arts with firearms. Unique is the only way to describe it. It holds a place of honor in my bookcase.

Several times in restaurants I sat down first, facing the front door. He'd just look at me and say, "You're in my seat." Funny, but serious.

I did several projects with him, including producing two video DVDs on firearms instruction. He was always ready, dependable, solid, creative, and just plain fun to be with. His "Yes, Sir" quiet way of speaking belied a fierceness and devotion to the profession of teaching life-saving skills. When he was a guest on my radio show I always promised myself that I would -- this time -- hold him to the standard 10-minute interview. It never worked. I always invited him to stay longer, using up a big chunk of valuable broadcast time. He was just that much fun to talk with.

Once I got to know his lovely wife, Gretchen, who is clearly an angel to live with Tiger's dedication, it became even funnier each time I heard him describe her as "mean as a snake," and then he'd offer that crooked smile.

Knowing Tiger McKee as a friend has been one of the highlights of my life. Many times at the range I have heard that distinctive Alabama drawl pop into my head asking why I'm doing something, and just maybe I ought to be thinking of a way to get out of that problem.

I'm so glad our lives crossed paths. I hope I can fold a bit of his wit and calm demeanor into my personality. I'll try, but it probably won't work. There simply will never be another Tiger.

Tom Gresham, Gun Talk Media

Tiger was a true leader in our industry when most were followers. He was innovative in documenting skill sets with firearms and tactics. His contributions will continue to be hugely significant to all of us.
Most important - he believed in and wore the armor of God and his sense of humor and smile will be greatly missed.

Clint and Heidi Smith, Thunder Ranch Inc.

Tiger was a real gent, a slow-talking, soft-spoken man with a way to reach everyone. He was the “instructor’s instructor.”