About Earl mckee

Earl is a lifelong resident of Orange County and a 1970 graduate of Orange High School. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture from North Carolina State University. In 1973, Earl returned to Orange County, where he farmed alongside his brother, David McKee, until 2001.


In 2001, Earl transitioned to a diversified agricultural business model that included crop and cattle production, direct marketing of farm products, and small-scale property development. Throughout his farming career, he emphasized land preservation, responsible stewardship of natural resources, and the protection of environmentally sensitive areas on both owned and leased properties.


Earl has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service throughout his life. He has served as a Deacon and Elder at Little River Church and was a founding member, firefighter, and board officer of the Caldwell Fire Department. His community involvement also includes participation in the Jaycees and the Orange County Farm Bureau.


Earl was appointed to the Orange County Planning Board before successfully running for the District 2 seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners in 2010. He is currently in his 16th year as a commissioner and has served on numerous community, county, and regional boards. Among his most impactful contributions was serving as co-chair of the Broadband Task Force, which originated from his initiative to develop a countywide strategy to provide reliable, affordable fiber broadband to all properties. As a result of this effort, broadband service is now available to most Orange County residents, and Earl remains committed to completing this initiative.


Earl is married to Sandra Lloyd McKee, a native of the Orange Grove community. Sandra taught in the Orange County School System for 32 years and later returned as a tutor for several years. Together, they have three children, all of whom reside in Orange County, and four grandchildren.


After more than 15 years of service as a county commissioner, Earl believes he brings the experience, energy, and relationships necessary to continue advancing Orange County’s progress.