Howard Lee McGhee Jr.

Howard Lee McGhee, Jr., 80, of Graham, NC went home to be with Jesus on Monday, November 17, 2025 surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born in Henderson, NC, to Howard Lee McGhee, Sr. and Virginia Vaughan McGhee, both deceased.

All of Howard's working years were in textiles, about 40 years of those were with Burlington Industries. He was also a member of The Salvation Army.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren call him, "Papaw or Papaw Ghee". His family where he grew up in Franklinton, NC called him, "Hardrock". He didn't care what they called him as long as they called him.

He was a man who loved fiercely and unconditionally. He never met a stranger and would start a conversation with anyone. He taught everyone who knew him how to love unconditionally. Howard was generous to a fault with anything anyone needed. He had a great laugh and loved and appreciated pretty girls.

Survivors include his wife of 33 ½ years, Carol of the home; daughters, Roxanne McGhee of Burlington and Candace Parker of Greenville, NC; stepdaughter and stepson, Michele Terrell (Robbie) of Irmo, SC and Jason Riggs (Janet) of Waxhaw, NC; grandchildren, Joey Cobb (Sara) and Blake Cobb of Burlington, Kendis Slaughter (Travis) of Graham, Kayla Vincent (Jay) and Jaylen Parker of Greenville, NC, Meredith and Savannah Terrell of Columbia, SC, and Shannon Riggs of Waxhaw, NC; great-grandchildren, Joey (JC) Cobb, Jr. of the U. S. Navy, Mason and Kinley Cobb of Burlington, Bentley Cobb of Burlington, Axel and Gunner Slaughter of Graham, Levi Newberry of Elon, and Gavin Smith of Burlington; sisters, Betty Rose May (Otha) of Franklinton, NC and Dorothy Burger (Danny) of Wake Forest, NC; brother, George McGhee (Mary Pat) of Franklinton, NC; nephews, Marvin McGhee (Jennifer) of Columbia, SC, Hunter McGhee (Stacey) of Atlanta, GA, and Kyle Burger (Kelly) of Newport, NC; nieces, Lisa Griffin (Chuck) of Castalia, NC, Jennifer Moore (Dave) of Franklinton, NC, and Mary Roberson of Youngsville, NC; and many great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his brother, James Earl McGhee; daughter, Tonya Ann McGhee; and son, Kenneth Troy "Kenny" McGhee.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 noon at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home in Graham. The family graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Franklinton, NC.

Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 812 N. Anthony St., Burlington, NC 27217 or Liberty Hospice, 847 Heather Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

The family would like to thank Liberty Hospice staff for all the love and support they showed our family. A special thanks and recognition is extended Cassandra who helped us during those last two days with so much compassion and love and also to Sarah for her special care extended to Howard.