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Lake McClung Obituary
Lake McGee McClung, affectionately known as "Mac" and "Ghee" died peacefully Sept. 13th, 2011 at North Florida Regional Medical Center, Gainesville, FL. He was 77.
Lake was born at Hico, West Virginia on November 17th, 1933 to Crosby McClung and Margaret Iva McGee McClung. He worked for the Welch Daily News as a cub reporter and attended Kent State University in Ohio. He joined the US Air Force in 1954. His first assignment was in Kirknewton, Scotland, where he married the love of his life, Essie Monaghan, in 1956. They had two sons, Hugh H. McClung and Sean D. McClung.
In 1972, following retirement from the Air Force, his family settled in Gainesville, FL, where he pursued his passions of golf and music. He played the violin and fiddle proficiently in many musical venues, including a performance for Princess Alexandra, of England. He also sang solo for a Festival of Remembrance in Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland. He worked at Santa Fe College in the business programs department. Mac was a longtime member of the University of Florida Golf Course, was a Lady Gator Golf booster, a member of the TBPA (A British Heritage Society) and a member of the Alliance Francaise of Gainesville.
Preceding him in death are a great-granddaughter, Gabriella Thiele and his two sisters, Beamie Shaffer and Gonnie Seigel.
He is survived by his cherished wife, Essie, their two children, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews, close relatives and wonderful friends across the world.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 17th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Haven Hospice of Gainesville, FL or the hospice of your choice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
(352) 376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lake McClung
Frank Brunotts
January 12, 2012
Dear Essie,
I just learned from Andrew Stitak of the sad passing of your husband, Lake. I was a classmate of Lake's at Clearview high school in Lorain, Ohio. Lake was a good friend, and I remember once he told me, with great admiration, about a recording of some violin music played by Jascha Heifetz. Well, I didn't know who Jascha Heifetz was, but once I learned it from Lake I have never forgotten. Very fond memories of those high school days with Lake. My condolences to you and your family.
mark hedberg
October 15, 2011
Dear Essie,
Your letter came yesterday. When I saw only your name on the return address I told Kristi this can't be good. It is hard to believe that it was 29 years ago this past August that Mac and I met at the University golf course. He made a freshman all the way from Minnesota feel so welcome. (I cry as I write this as I did yesterday when I read your letter). I wonder how many rounds of golf we played in my four years at UF? Two answers come to mind, "a bunch" and "not enough!" You were at our wedding and it was so great keeping in touch over the years. Seeing you on occasional visits to G'ville and when you stayed with us here in Asheville a few years ago. I remember listening to Mac play the Orange Blossom Special over a beer and pizza at your house. I remember the Gator golf bag he used to carry and the old VW bus. A special man and a special couple. Take care of yourself. I will call you soon. Mark
October 7, 2011
I will dearly miss my golfing buddy. Mac was a great friend and human being. He was always happy and optimistic and I will cherish the times we had together. Mac may be gone but he will never be forgotten. My prayers go out to Essie and the rest of his family.
~Amanda
September 19, 2011
My Dear Essie, My heart hurts for the loss you surely feel. You and Lake are such special people - always kind and generous towards my Dad and me. Love you always, Linda Lee Allums Travieso
September 18, 2011
Essie, our thoughts are with you and your family as you remember the wonderful life Gee had with all of you. I am so glad I had a visit with him last summer when he came to Bramwell to see Gary perform. Gee had a beautiful spirit, the gift of music and he enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.
Dana Stoker Cochran
Bramwell, West Virginia
September 17, 2011
Essie, Steve and I are thinking of you and your family at this time. Lake was a nice man and human being and our prayers are with you.
Best regards, Steve and Resa Labossiere
Jack Schuster
September 16, 2011
I will miss playing fiddle with Mac every first week in January.
Darla Hill
September 16, 2011
Essie, my love thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. You are so loved.
Carol Overacker
September 16, 2011
Essie,
I was sorry to see that your husband passed away. Although I never got the chance to meet him, I could tell how special he was to you and how much concern you had for his health during the last couple of years when I worked with you. I'm so sorry for the grief you are surely feeling right now, but I hope that the memories of all the wonderful years you spent together, along with the loving family and friends surrounding you, will help you through this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol Overacker
Mac - loved his music & we loved listening
Edna Turner
September 15, 2011
Essie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mac was a very special person and a great friend. I am blessed to have know both of you. I will miss him.
Edna
Robert Siegel
September 15, 2011
I met Lake in Elyria, Ohio when he was an 18 year old freshman at Kent State University and I was courting his sister, Gonnie. Lake was my beloved brother-in-law for more than half a century. He was always gracious, loving and above all, a genuinely nice person. He had an incisive mind, an easy demeanor and a streak of Scottish stubbornness that springs from his Celtic roots. Lake would have loved to be able to fiddle at his own Celebration of Life.
Mike London
September 15, 2011
Ghee,
You blessed us each year that you joined us. And you brought us Essie, your music and your gentle soul. It is always too soon. You will be missed by many.
Jane Yii
September 15, 2011
Oh Mac, we will miss you.
Your smiling face and happy heart was the best part of working at Sabine's all those years.
May you fiddle with the angels.
Happy trails, my friend...
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