Wilton Cliff Clifford McGahee

A graduate of Boy’s High school, Class of 1944, Cliff was a proud Atlantan and American patriot having served 20 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve with a retired rank of Lt. Commander. Following Officer Candidate Training at Emory and Duke Universities, Cliff received his engineering degree from Georgia Tech in 1948 after which he began a successful business career with Pollock Paper Company (later St. Regis Paper Co.) at locations in New York City, Hazleton, Pennsylvania and Dallas, Texas. In 1985, Cliff returned to Atlanta and formed the McGahee Lacy Associates packaging brokerage agency which continues in his name to this day.

A man of ironclad integrity, solid judgement and warm personality, Cliff was a true embodiment of the Greatest Generation and one who earned respect and friendship from colleagues in all walks of life. He was an avid fan of all things related to automobiles and owned an enviable list of foreign and domestic makes over the years. Until the end, his favorite shows involved Classic Car auctions and restoration projects.

A dedicated husband and father, Cliff was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Barbara Guillebeau McGahee, as well as two sons, James and William. He is survived by one son, Robert, his wife Jenny, daughters-in-law Jill of Aurora, Ohio and Donna of Houston, Texas as well as seven grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.

Cliff was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. For more than 25 years, he was a faithful member of St. John United Methodist Church in Sandy Springs and an active member of the Bible Fellowship Sunday School Class.

There are few words that can express the pride and gratitude his family feels for a man whose life was an example we can only strive to achieve. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at St. John United Methodist Church, 500 Mt. Paran Rd NW on Saturday, July 8 at 3:00 PM. (Reception following).