John Mcgaha

John Frederick McGaha, 83, of Pacolet, SC, died Sunday, October 16, 2016, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born October 21, 1932, in Pacolet, SC, he was the son of the late John Hobart McGaha and Estelle Kirby McGaha. A U. S. Air Force veteran, Master Sergeant McGaha served in the Korean War and was stationed in Thailand in support of the Vietnam War. He was also stationed in Europe for three years during the Cold War and retired after nearly 25 years of service. Mr. McGaha attended Newberry College and received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and History from the University of Nebraska. Following his military service he retired from Pacolet Manufacturing and was later employed with R. R. Donnelly. As a member of Montgomery Memorial United Methodist Church, Mr. McGaha was Sunday School Superintendent and was a member of the Olin Hodge Sunday School Class, a Lay Leader, and member of the choir. He was also a member of the Pacolet Ruritan Club. Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Amelia Campbell McGaha; children, Jeffrey McGaha (Rita) and their children, Nick Patterson (Dee), and great-grandchild, Elizabeth, Heidi Kennedy (Shawnn) and great-grandchildren, A. J., Savannah, Jacob (deceased), and Ally; Cheryl Revels (Tony) and their children, Ryan, Jacyn, and Christian; LTC (Ret.) Joel McGaha (Allyson) and their children, LT Joshua McGaha (Katie), Jessica (David), great-grandchild, Eli, and Jacquelyn, all of Fayetteville, NC; CPO (Ret.) John F. McGaha II (Colleen) and children, Erin Prevost (LT John Prevost) of Destin, FL; Seaman Cory McGaha of San Diego, CA, Julie McGaha, and her daughter, Amelia Jordan Stokes of Spartanburg; brother, Alfred McGaha (Juanita) of Gaffney, SC; brother and sister-in-law, CMC (Ret.) Jesse E. Campbell (Jenny); sister's-in-law, Earlene and Louise McGaha of Pacolet and Whitney, SC; special family, Jenny Tang (James) and children of Chicago, IL; special military friends, MSG (Ret.) Bill and Nancy Marley of Spartanburg, SC; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and special caregivers, Niki, Alena, Kelly and Kaitlyn. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Bob McGaha, Harry McGaha, and Ray McGaha; and sister, Virginia Owens. Visitation will be 12:30-2:30 PM Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Montgomery Memorial United Methodist Church, 160 Limestone St., Pacolet, SC 29372. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM, at the church, conducted by the Rev. (CSM Ret.) James S. McDowell and Mr. George Gentry. Burial, with full military honors, will be in Pacolet Memorial Gardens, 141 Memorial Dr., Pacolet, SC 29372. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Montgomery Memorial United Methodist Church, 160 Stone Street, Pacolet, SC 29372. Special thanks to the management and staff of Spartanburg Regional Hospice. The family is at the home. Floyd's Pacolet Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Frederick McGaha please visit our Sympathy Store.