Glenn was born in Abilene, TX in 1930 to Thomas McGehee, Mamie Morrison, loving mother. He was the youngest of five, and his siblings were Donna Meyers, James McGehee, Thomas McGehee, who are no longer with us. Marcia Lee Buchannan of Abilene, TX is his surviving sibling.
After attending Texas Tech University and serving very briefly in the Airforce (thank you flat feet!), Glenn began his career. In 1955, he discovered the tiny, undeveloped island paradise of South Padre, where he, his wife at the time, Julia Frances Houston (deceased), and their two sons and daughter decided to build a life. Glenn established the first shopping center on the island which included a grocery store, clothing store and liquor store. He couldn't contain his Irish personality and was compelled to involve himself with island politics. He was an alderman, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and mayor from 1978-1982. He, however, referred to himself as the "manure," budgeting himself a salary of $1 per year. Through hurricanes, oil spills, devaluations, bridge collapse, and red tides, Glenn never stopped learning and striving, trying his hand at construction and real estate.
In 1974 he married Carmen Silvia Canales of Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, with whom he had two more daughters. Their love and his mischievous humor carried him through the joys and challenges of life on the island and into retirement in 2004 at Rancho Viejo, TX, where his favorite activity was relaxing on his patio overlooking the resaca that he referred to as "God's picture".
Lawrie is preceded in death by his father Thomas Middleton McGehee and mother Mamie Morrison McGehee. Glenn is survived by his wife Carmen, his sons Jay and Michael, and his daughters Kelly, Kathleen and Kristina. He was MOST proud of his grandchildren, who include grandsons Jayson, Sebastian, and Santiago, and granddaughters, Lael, Eva, and Alexandra.
Mass will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Our Heavenly Father Church, 9178 Tomas Cortez Jr. St. Olmito, Texas 78575. Visitation will be Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista. All services will conclude after the visitation.
There are many people we wish to thank for helping Glenn through his recent health struggles, including his dear friends and many dedicated healthcare professionals.
In lieu of flowers, one may to donate to the American Lung Association or to Our Heavenly Father Catholic Church in Olmito, TX.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista 125 McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville, TX. 956-541-5400 Dignity Memorial Provider.
