Obituary: Garlis McGhee

Garlis McGhee, age 82, a resident of the Batley Community in Anderson County, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Methodist Medical Center.

Mr. McGhee was born on April 3, 1932, in New River.

In 1952, at the age of 20, he entered into the United States Navy and served his country during the Korean War. While serving, he received several medals, citations, commendations, and ribbons.

Following his military discharge in 1957, he moved to Dayton, Ohio, and lived in Dayton for 10 years, moving back to Coalfield in 1967. He then moved to the Batley Community in 1973, where he has continued to live.

Before his retirement, he owned and operated McGhee Appliance Repair for 42 years. He was a faithful member of the Poplar Creek Baptist Church, and he was also a member of the Faith Masonic Lodge, #756, F&AM, in Oak Ridge.

At an early age, Mr. McGhee began playing the guitar and singing with his family. He continued to enjoy music throughout his life and he became an accomplished guitar player.

He was a pioneer in the development of Coalfield Softball. A passion that he continued throughout his life.

Mr. McGhee was preceded in death by his parents, Brassfield McGhee and Margaret Patterson McGhee; by sisters, Dora Byrge, Nancy Cross, Frances Kennedy, Beatrice Sharp, Delphia Kennedy Biddie McGhee, and Lissie Styles; and by brothers, Caleb, Bailey, and Ralph McGhee.

He is survived by his wife, Ethel Marie McGhee; by children, Glenna McGhee Aytes and husband Gary, Rick McGhee, Cathy Gooden, and Cristy Ping and husband Tod; by grandchildren, Danielle Kidd and husband Andrew, Chase Brown and fiancee’ Destiney Massengale, Trecci McGhee and fiancee’ Stephen Roberts, Mallory Gooden, and Mark Treece; and by a great-granddaughter, Annabel Kidd.

He is also survived by a brother, Carl McGhee and wife Esther; and by a sister-in-law, Hannah McGhee; and by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and special friends, including a very special friend, Virgil Rainey.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 24, between 6 and 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Donnie Moore and Pastor Donald Long officiating. Entombment with full military honors will be held Friday, April 25, at 1 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and a online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.