Edward Leroy McGaughy of Mobile, Alabama made his transition from life on earth on Thursday, May 14 at the age of 85. He passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Suzanne, and family by his side.
Leroy was born October 25, 1934 in Fort Worth, Texas to father Theron Leroy McGaughy and mother Mary Kathryn McGaughy. Leroy graduated from Camden High School in Camden, Arkansas and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech, where he was a “Ramblin’ Wreck” band member. He worked as a Chemical Engineer for International Paper Company for more than 42 years serving in various management roles in plants all across the United States. He also served in the Army Reserves for eight years, attaining the rank of Captain before resigning his commission.
Leroy met his wife Suzanne Duvall in Atlanta, Georgia in 1956 while attending Sunday School. The love story of Leroy and Suzanne has been a beautiful example of God’s desire for marriage. He loved her as Christ loves the Church. Together they served, worked, traveled, raised two sons, ministered, and loved each other for more than 62 years. They were caretakers for Suzanne’s mother, and Leroy’s aunt Frances for more than 40 years. Leroy was committed to serving Christ first, his wife, his family and others second, and himself last. He shepherded others as an Elder and Deacon in the Church of Christ for many years. He tried to do all things to glorify the kingdom of the Lord, and if you knew Leroy you can rest assured that he prayed for you because he believed in the power of prayer.
He loved history and his family’s genealogy, helping to trace the McGaughy family tree back to the original Irish migrants tohttps://admin.mem.com/sso/newde/9182455#contententry/family come to America. He organized family reunions and tours of the homesteads where his ancestors resided. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution having served in numerous roles including Chapter President, Chaplain, Secretary and Treasurer. He volunteered for many civic and community organizations including the Richards DAR House, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, Sojourner’s, and AGAPE of South Alabama.
Leroy was an avid storyteller, ready to share with you the memories that brought him joy. He loved to laugh and frequently his stories would bring about such laughter that they impeded his ability to finish his story. He would want us to keep telling stories. It is our stories that connect us and unite us.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Kathryn McGaughy Campbell, his son Ed Hunt, and great-grandson, Harrison. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his son, David and wife Lindi, Ed’s wife, Cathy; grandchildren Amy (Ben), Alex (Jessica), Amanda (Dulith), Aaron (Katy), Caleb (Maggie), Ethan (Morgan) and Seth; great-grandchildren Ainsley, Noah, Balin, Finley, Abigail, Eleanor, Moriah, and Grace; nieces and nephews Danny, Michael, Melissa and Travis, and many great-nieces and nephews.
A visitation is planned for Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 1:00pm at Regency Church of Christ, 501 South University Boulevard, Mobile, Alabama. The funeral will follow immediately at 2:00pm. All are invited to attend. Social distancing will be respected. Face masks will be available. The service will be live-streamed on www.regencycc.org . Internment will be at Pine Crest cemetery.
Memorial donations may be sent to:
Regency Church of Christ Food Give Away
501 South University Boulevard
Mobile, Alabama 36609
OR
Mobile Christian School Band
5900 Cottage Hill Road
Mobile, Alabama 36609
