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John McGill Obituary
The youngest of 4 children, he graduated from Lower Richland HS in 1982. He grew up in, and alongside his brothers, went on to manage a successful family business, Jeffers-Mcgill appliance, long known for its integrity and honest practices since established in 1961 by his family. He married Happy Riley in 1986, and built a wonderful life together.
He was a lifelong member of Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church in Columbia, where he was an accomplished guitar player and vocalist in the praise band for many years.
A man of many talents, John loved to fish, and hunt, especially with his sons and was happiest in a deer stand or in a boat. He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and accomplished musician. His kind spirit, quick wit and strong sense of integrity made him a model to many in our community and beyond.
John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Happy; sons, Riley,and Benjamin (Kristin); twin granddaughters that he adored, Aria and Adalynn; brothers, Mark and David (Becky), favorite sister in law Lee (Tom) Hammond, several nieces, nephews, extended family members, a circle of close friends, Riley's wonderful girlfriend, Morgan Allen, many business associates and loyal customers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and Mac McGill, and his sister, Jeanne.
The family would like to acknowledge Prisma Health Hospice for their loving care and support, as well as our faithful friends, and family, who sent prayers, messages, brought meals, and gave of their time, without hesitation.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, October 3rd at 1 pm at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, followed by a visitation in the fellowship hall. Elmwood Funeral Home in Columbia, SC, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church music ministry or the ASPCA.
John's legacy of
great love, kindness, integrity, and devotion to his family, and community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
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Eddie Weaver
October 3, 2024
I know John is rejoicing with the Savior today! Prayers for the family during this time of mourning.
John Safko
October 3, 2024
So sad to hear of John's passing.
I had the blessing of his company several years back while he helped organize and host several musical parties .
He was always so kind, organized, humble. He was a man that had an abundance of virtues. I really enjoyed playing music with him and admired his dedication to his family .
Condolences to his family.
Tonia Cochran
October 2, 2024
Tonia Cochran
October 2, 2024
I have known John since 1990 or so. John was a groomsman in my wedding in 1992... my friendship with John and Happy has far out lived my marriage! I have always gone to John for all appliance needs, I trusted John with every purchase. We have been Facebook friends for a while, and he would always comment on my silly posts. Recently I asked him about getting a microwave, he said," I haven´t been to work in a while, I´ve had hip problems." I asked if there was anything I could do to help, John said " keep posting on fb, I love ur posts"! I did, and started sending IM memes daily, hoping that I would make him laugh. I was told a few weeks ago of John´s diagnosis. I continued sending John memes daily, hoping he would see them and make him happy or at least give him a smile... I will never forget John McGill, he was a great friend, always funny, honest, and a great reliable friend. Happy, I can´t imagine what you´re going through, I can´t imagine this life without John in it... please reach out if I can help in anyway, I love u Happy! I´m so sorry for your loss does not even come close to this devastating reality...
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Hannah bray
October 1, 2024
Happy, we are praying for you and your family during this time. Please let me know if I can do anything. We love you.
Hannah and Nova
Gayle Byers
October 1, 2024
So very sorry for your loss Happy. God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kevin Durden
October 1, 2024
Had the privilege to know John since 6th grade, go thru school together, play some music, do some biz and always always sharing laughs together. He was a very good man who I had upmost respect for. Until we meet again.
Roger Schweitzer
October 1, 2024
I almost could not open this obituary. The thought of John being gone is unbearable. However, to anyone who reads this, should know that John was/is a very special person to me. He should me how to be in a band, and did it with love and patience. Why he even asked if wanted to be in a tv commercial for Jeffers-McGill many years ago. You are truly one of the good John, and I´m a better person because of you.
Cam Dalton Williams
October 1, 2024
The McGil family were the best neighbors ever! I spent as much time at their house as I did mine. Jeanne and I played together while growing up on a daily. John was younger and played with Amy my younger sister. They were thick as thieves. We all went to church together on Sundays. One of my fondest memories of John was sitting quietly with him practicing the S sound. So glad he developed into such a great and loving man. R.I.P. John
Cam Dalton Williams
Ruthie Hutto
October 1, 2024
I met John years ago. He was a great person if you knew him you loved him. He played and sang at my sister Kaye's funeral and also my brother-n-law Billy's funeral . We were all friends. I will miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with you Happy and your sons and family. RIP my friends.
Kristin McGill
October 1, 2024
Stephen Green
October 1, 2024
John, I can't believe you're gone......I will remember our friendship forever.
Deborah Randy Humphries
October 1, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of his passing.Gone to soon. Thinking of the family.
Jackie Richards
September 30, 2024
Kind. Gentle. Hardworking. All words that remind me of John. It has been a privilege to know you John. See you on the other side!
Nora wilkes
September 30, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time. John was a king and generous person.
Kristin McGill
September 30, 2024
Ruthie Hutto
September 30, 2024
I met John a long time ago. Such a wonderful friend. I Love him. He sang and played the guitar at my brother-n-law and sisters funeral and they also loved him. RIP my friend. My thoughts and prayers are you Happy and sons and family, love you.
Kristin McGill
September 30, 2024
Joan Dixon
September 30, 2024
My first memory of John is my brother, Trez Dixon, bringing him over and saying, "This is John Boy!" And he was John Boy from then on. He was a a wonderful friend to Trez in high school before Trez passed away. John always had that great big smile and such a kind and friendly demeanor. Everybody that knew him loved him. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to know him and so sad to know the world will be missing such a kind soul. My heart aches for his family and friends - this loss is so hard to fathom. My prayers go out to Happy and the family as they go through this time of grief. God is with you and John Boy is with God.
Sarah Kimbrough
September 30, 2024
I will miss his beautiful smile in church on Sunday. His music and spirit were a gift to all of us who knew and cared for him. Prayers for comfort for Happy and his family.
Emily Thompson
September 30, 2024
I have always enjoyed my conversations with John. Always quick with humor and laugh, which I love. He will be so missed.
Melissa Spearman
September 30, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about John. He was such a great friend to my dad, Steve Gimbel, and I know my dad really cherished their friendship. He was there for my dad when my dad was sick and always so nice to my sister and I as well. We are sending prayers to Happy and his whole family.
Leslie C Elrod
September 30, 2024
I have loved the McGill family for most of my life. John was a special man and was always eager to help me. I will be praying for the family now and for the weeks to come. If you need anything please let me know. Leslie Elrod.
Kristin McGill
September 30, 2024
Kaitlyn butler
September 30, 2024
No matter how much time had passed, everything would pick up right where you left off. He was such a genuine soul and loving uncle !
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501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29201
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