Major Sir William Cecil McKee was an estate agent who served as Lord Mayor of Belfast during 1957 and 1958.

Cecil was born on 13 April 1905 to William Barry McKee and Margaret née Bulloch. He was educated at Methodist College and Queen’s University Belfast. McKee joined the Sirocco Works as an apprentice engineer. On the sudden death of his father, Cecil joined his brother in the family estate agency, W. B. McKee & Sons. He remained as senior partner in the firm until his death.

McKee entered the Belfast Corporation in 1934 when he was elected as a councillor for St Anne’s ward. He was appointed as High Sheriff of Belfast in 1946. He was President of the Northern Ireland Board of Directors from 1957-59.

McKee served with the Royal Artillery during WWII as lieutenant in a newly formed anti-aircraft brigade. He took part in the defence of Dunkirk with the British Expeditionary Force. His unit was one of the last to be evacuated. He subsequently served for two years in the Faroe Islands commanding an anti-aircraft battery.

McKee was knighted for his public services in 1959. He was a member of the Order of St John and was created a Knight of Justices of the Order in 1982.

Sir Cecil died in January 2003.