I still think about George and the “discussions” we had when we had a little extra time to take a break together.  His office was just down the hall from mine, they had him set up in the library.  His office  was really depressing so he usually stopped by my office which was a little more pleasing!  We would always discuss religion and of course George was much better at that than I was.  He was of course a Jehovious (sp?) Witness and I was a good ole Methodist.  I’m sorry to say he was much more knowledgeable of the Bible than I.  I wish that I could say that I was as knowledgeable as George.  I could hold my own with him, but barely!  I really admired him for his faith.  He really believed it!  I miss George and our debates.  I’m sure George is in heaven and having “debates “ with our Lord.  I miss George he was a really good man.

Dear ALL McGhee family. We are so sorry for your loss and extend our deepest love and condolences across all these miles between us. Our memories of Brother McGhee's example, smile and faith burns bright.

Love, 

John and Sharron Glass & Family
(Florida) 

George defined the term “a good man””. He will be missed by many. 
I had the pleasure of working with George in the Chemistry Department from 1970 until about 1984.  His office adjoined mine and he assisted me in preparing many dozens of research proposals and manuscripts before computers existed!!  The work was painstaking because retyping had to be minimized. To use a Navy term, he did Yeoman’s work and better!!
He was always willing to go the extra mile and do it with a smile on his face. 
George W. Kabalka
Emeritus Professor
University of Tennessee

George and Robbie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a good man that I had a great deal of respect for. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Kevin Brabson ,Tracey Cotner and children

I was greatly saddened to know the passing of George. He and I shared an office suite in Department of Chemistry (5th floor in Buehler-Dabney), University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) in the 1990s. George offered a lot of help after I started at UTK in 1992 as a faculty member. He paid attention to details for anything he worked on. George was very kind, caring, and compassionate. We’ll remember his big smiles, humor, and friendly, cheerful personality. My heart is with the family.

Dear Family, 

I worked with George for 12 years at the Chemistry Dept. at UT-Knoxville.  I enjoyed knowing him so much!  We would chop down a three or two and then George would come over to our house and help my husband cut it up and then we would give him the wood for his wood stove.  He was such a good friend.  I hope that you will remember him and all the wonderful moments you had with him when he was alive.  

Jan McGuire

With fond memories of a perfect gentleman, who was the first person in the UT Chemistry Department to have a word processor.  Modern and traditional, caring and calming, and always helpful.  May his memory be a blessing.

Kelsey Cook, UT Professor Emeritus

I worked at UT Chemistry 1984-2015.  George was one of the first people I met when I started.  He was already a longtime employee, and he was very kind to me.  My first impression of him was spot on, and never changed:  always cheery, unflappable and professional.  Somehow he was always this way, even when I knew he was working through back pain.  I never heard George speak an unkind word about anyone.  I loved George's smile and his laugh.  He was one of the sweetest men I have known in my life.  Rest in peace, my friend.

I am so sorry to hear about George.  I worked on the sixth floor with George for 20 years.  I would like his family to know that George McGhee was the best man to ever work in the Chemistry Department!  We would discuss religion, politics and any other thing that came to mind when we had a spare minute, and It was an honor and a pleasure to have known George, and I’m sorry that I didn’t keep in touch with him after I retired.  Maybe we will meet again someday and continue our discussions.  Please accept my prayers and condolences.  George was a wonderful person and It was a pleasure to have known him.

I so enjoyed getting to know  George and have indelible memories of him during his days at Oakwood.   Such a  gentle, kind , admirable man and a joy to be near !  I miss his smile and warm demeanor. Rest in peace, dear friend. 

OBITUARY

George Edward McGhee Sr.

March 18, 1935 – January 25, 2022

Sherwood Chapel & Memorial Gardens

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