Rev. Jerry Van McGhee, Pastor of Sun Lakes Community Church, Sun Lakes, AZ, joined his Heavenly Father on March 5, 2019, surrounded by his family. He touched the lives of many while on this earth and he will be sorely missed by his family and many friends here and across the world.
Jerry was born in Chicago, IL on September 29, 1937 to Bevie and Chester McGhee who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ernestine, his three children, Cathy McGhee, Mike McGhee (Shari), and Crystal Bashaw (Paul); six grandchildren, Stephanie Robnett (Brian), Courtney Orban (Travis), Shaylin, Cody and Chance McGhee, Julia Bashaw; as well as six great-grandchildren (Brice, Paris, Gracie, Fiona, Hannah, Kevin). Jerry is also survived by his sister, Sue Whittaker (Jerry) of Scottsdale, AZ, and brother, Ed McGhee of Cleveland TN.
Jerry graduated from Lee College, Cleveland, TN in 1967 and earned his Master’s Degree from California Graduate School of Theology in Glendale, CA. He served 50 years as Pastor of churches in Noblesville, IN, Norwood, OH, Richmond, VA, Phoenix, AZ, Chandler, AZ, (22 yrs.) and most recently in Sun Lakes, AZ. While pastoring in Chandler, Jerry also taught classes on two occasions in Russia for Campus Crusade International Leadership Academies, and ministered in the villages of Romania on two separate occasions.
Jerry served four years with the City of Chandler as a council member (1984-88); two as Vice-mayor. In 2003 he retired from pastoring the Sun Lakes Community Church in Sun Lakes, AZ and joined a volunteer ministry called SOWERS (ServantsOnWheelsEverReadytoServe), serving 6 yrs. as President. After 13 yrs. of volunteer work, he returned to pastoring the Sun Lakes Community Church for the 2nd time for almost 4 yrs. before passing away on March 5th.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at the Sun Lakes Community Church, 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. N., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, at 2:00 on March 16th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the church for the "Water Well Project" in Sierra Leon.
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