Candee was reared on the land that was claimed by her family after Andrew Jackson’s Removal of her ancestors to Indian Territory in 1832. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and History from Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, and a Master of Science in Adaptive Physical Education and Exercise Science from The University of Oklahoma, Norman. She is almost finished with her Master of American History and Government at the Ashbrook Center.
She has 40 years’ experience teaching and coaching at the high school and college level in Texas and Oklahoma, retiring in 2018. Since that time, she has continued to teach United States History and Government for Kilgore College and serve as an Ashbrook Ambassador. Candee has conducted many Texas Council for the Social Studies Conference workshops, ranging from law-related education, engaging the history student at any level and using technology in the classroom. She conducted summer golf programs and clinics for both coaches and athletes. She has also contributed as a local consultant and photographer for the American Exchange Project and has been a wedding planner for over 15 years.
A recipient of the Pine Tree ISD Pirate Pride Award and District Community Service Award, she helped establish Pine Tree High School, Longview, TX, School Safety Summit and for her efforts received the Texas Safe School Award. Consequently, she was nominated and presented with the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Safe School Leadership Award. Candee is also a recipient of the coveted Leon Jaworski Award for Teaching Excellence in Law Focused Education.
During her coaching career, her teams were District Champions and state playoff contenders.Her record of 105-45 during her 5 years as Women’s Basketball Coach at Pine Tree High School, she was named the Longview News Journal East Texas Coach of the Year. She served as Assistant Volleyball Coach for 10 years and was a part of a continual state playoff contender program that amassed a record of 355-30 with two trips to the Texas state volleyball tournament, finishing runner-up and semi-finalist. In 1994, with a highly successful men’s golf program already competing, Candee helped establish the Women’s program and served as their only coach for the next 25 years. Her teams accumulated 18 District Championships; 14 of which were consecutive, and were Regional Qualifiers 22 out of 25 of those years. The Lady Pirate Golf Teams were also Regional Champions and State Qualifiers, and advanced either as individual medalists or team. Numerous Lady Pirate golfers would be named All-State and All-State Academic winners and go on to compete at the next level. For her team’s successes, she received the Texas Girls Coaches Association Points Award and the Texas High School Coaches Association and Coaches Education Foundation Milestone of Victories Award.
Candee and her husband Greg live in Kilgore, Texas and enjoy traveling, playing golf, watching her Oklahoma Sooners and his Oklahoma State Cowboys, and serving in their church; Candee on the Worship Team and Greg as Deacon.