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East Carolina University

Loonis McGlohon Obituary

Mr. Loonis McGlohon died Saturday, January 26, 2002 at his home. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at Carmel Presbyterian Church. Reverend Steve Cathcart will officiate assisted by the Reverend Wendell Ligon and Reverend John Alexander. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28, 2002 in the sanctuary of Carmel Presbyterian Church at 2408 Carmel Road.
Mr. McGlohon was born September 29, 1921 in Ayden, North Carolina, son of the late Max Cromwell McGlohon and Bertha Andrews McGlohon. He was preceded in death by his brother, Berkley McGlohon. Mr. McGlohon was recognized as a very gifted pianist and composer. He performed throughout the United States and in numerous countries around the world. His songs have been recorded and performed by many entertainers including Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Eileen Farrell, Judy Garland, and Margaret Whiting. He collaborated with the late Charles Kuralt on a word-and-music tribute to his home state - North Carolina Is My Home, and with composer Alec Wilder on numerous songs. Mr. McGlohon was a recipient of the North Carolina Award, two Peabody Awards, the Vanguard Award, and the World Citizen Award. He was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, and the North Carolina Society of New York. Following his retirement from Jefferson-Pilot Broadcasting, he was named to the North Carolina Broadcasters Hall of Fame. For more than 30 years, Mr. McGlohon was choir director at Carmel Presbyterian Church. A graduate of East Carolina University, he received six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities. The McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square honors Mr. McGlohon known by many as the Songwriter's Songwriter and by others as one of Charlotte and North Carolina's musical treasures.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Nan Lovelace McGlohon; son Reeves McGlohon and wife Peggy of Mt. Holly; daughters Fan Smith and husband Skipper of Hickory, and Laurie Shouse and husband Larry of Lowesville. Seven grandchildren and one great-granchild survive Mr. McGlohon; Max McGlohon and wife Lisa of Raleigh and son Brady; Brooke Shepard and Allan McGlohon of Mt. Holly; Laurie Smith and Graham Smith of Hickory; and Edward Shouse and Hilary Shouse of Lowesville.
Memorials may be sent to the Loonis McGlohon Chair of Church Music at Carmel Presbyterian Church, 2048 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC 28226 or The Loonis McGlohon Scholarship Fund at East Carolina University, Taylor-Slaughter Alumni Center, 200 E. 1st Street, Greenville, NC 27858.
Arrangements for the McGlohon family are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home.

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Published by Charlotte Observer from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Loonis McGlohon

17 Entries

Joan Butcher

January 30, 2002

In reading about this wonderful,gifted,compassionate man, I am honored to share the McGlohon and all spellings of this names in my line. Please except my thoughts and prayers in this time of loss.

BILLY SCOTT

January 29, 2002

IT WAS TRULY AN HONOR TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSIC HALL OF FAME WITH LOONIS. HIS GREATNESS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. THANK YOU FOR THE TIME YOU SHARED WITH US. I WILL MISS YOU. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. BILLY SCOTT

John Hodgkins

January 28, 2002

I never met the man but I have heard only wonderful comments about him. And as for his music, it will be around for a long, long time. As the song says, "thanks for the memories," Loonis.

david floyd

January 28, 2002

Loonis was a true friend to me over the years. I was so honored each time he called me to engineer a recording session for him, when I lived in Charlotte. I always realized that I was in the presence of greatness, and a truely kind man. I know that he is nowplaying piano, writing new songs, and directing a wonderful choir in heaven. And there's is no more pain from his health problems. God Bless Loonis McGlohon...david floyd

Georgann Eubanks

January 28, 2002

Though our paths only crossed in person a couple of times, Loonis's music has been in my home for years. We played it yesterday all day long with best thoughts and thanks for the man who gave us many things, most especially "Blackberry Winter."

Jeanette M. McMillan

January 28, 2002

Just to let you know you are in our thoughts. Edna Earle called me on Saturday, Joe had called her. We were all so sorry to hear the news.Edna and I are so thankful that we got to hear him last spring. He will be missed by so many. Love and prayers to all the family from us. Cousin Jeanette

Helen Richie

January 28, 2002

Loonis McGlohan will be greatly missed. The GFWC Junior Woman's Club of Charlotte was always proud to have him a part of our Serenade to Autumn Fashion Show. We shall remember him through his fabulous music.

Jack Murray

January 28, 2002

Our pleasure to have spent an evening with Loonis, Maddy and Jay at the Atlantis and Pinehurst. He will be missed, but always remembered. Jack and Nita Murray

Mona Scarbrough

January 28, 2002

My prayers go out to the McGlohon family. He will be greatly missed. What a wonderful memory I have of being able to attend a concert of his and sit on the front row. It is one of my favorite memories. Thank you, Mr. McGlohon, for sharing your gift with us.

Gareth Lowder

January 28, 2002

Thanks for the memories of great music by Loonis McGlohon.

Gareth Lowder

Lucinda Nisbet Lucas

January 28, 2002

The world is a better place, having benefitted from the life and contributions of Loonis McGlohon.

Amelia (Ruth) Townsend

January 28, 2002

To Nan and Family-

A sad refrain plays on earth, while the heavenly combo rejoices.

I knew Loonis through working at WBTV and Doug Mayes.

He displayed, always, the quiet courage and grace that let others know that there is hope, dignity and wonder on earth.

Helen Jewelle Cannon

January 28, 2002

Oh Nan!! My heart is with all of you. Just found out tonight 1:13a.m. I'm devastated!!! For the last month I've been planning to write Loonis Reeves and tell him how much it meant to me.... growing up... sitting on the floor by his piano stool listening to his music... how he played a VERY important part in shaping my love of music and the arts.... I've always loved and admired him dearly .. and wish that I had told him so recently.. so now, my love extends to you and the family... I mourn with you... but I celebrate for Loonis Reeves.. 'cause now, he is performing his special gifted music for the Angels!!!! Cousin Jewelle Baker in Kinston. I'll call you soon. Much Love to all of you.

Amy Belk

January 28, 2002

I would like to express my condolences to your family for your loss. My mother whom just passed away this past Sept. took chemo at Dr. Boyds office with Loonis. She would sit and talk to him on occasions and he was such a pleasant man. Not only would he come in and play for us, he would always show such compassion for everyone. I didn't realize he had recenty become so ill. My prayers are with you.

G. Jackson Burney

January 27, 2002

Nan, I will never forget the special feeling I had while in high school in having Billy Knauff [orchestra] ask me to "hold down the piano chair" until Loonis returned from the Service. And then later, when Loonis and I both worked at WBTV, to occasionally get a telephone call from Loonis to substitute at the last minute when a guest failed to show up for his TV show and we played duets to fill the time. And then even later, to enjoy Loonis [and his many stories] at meetings of SAJC [Straight Ahead Jazz Club]. Loonis was truly a good friend. We'll miss him!

Jack

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