Dr. Robert H. McGaughey III

I only learned about Doc's passing today, 8/25/19, but he had been on my mind recently and I always held him close in my heart. I join many others in honoring the inspiration and humor that he brought to so many lives. He was a wonderful college mentor to me at MSU and I cherish the guidance he gave me. He was my advisor in 1975 and when I dropped out of college at one point, he said he hated to see me leave. After traveling on the road as a musician, I returned to finish my Communications degree in 1999. Thankfully, Doc was still at MSU and he became my advisor again. Along with Doc and Dr. Robert Valentine's guidance, I was finally able to fulfill a dream and graduate from MSU. So many lives were touched by "Doc" and his legacy lives on in all of us.

I just today learned of the passing of Bob McGaughey in a message I received from former Murray State student Berry Craig. I was very saddened to hear this news. I was on the faculty at MSU for several years in the 1970s. Bob hired me and was always the most supportive department chairman. If you had a problem, Bob had a solution. He treated his faculty members as though they were members of his extended family. The whole department had very much of a family feeling to it -- warm and friendly. In my whole career I never -- either before or after my tenure at MSU -- experienced quite such a unique and joyous office environment. Bob always had your back, and he never missed an opportunity to lighten up a discussion with a good joke. Rest in Peace, my dear friend and former colleague!

Bob Mcgaughey, who passed away June 14, and I were longtime friends, He was two years ahead of me at MSU, We both worked on the Murray State News, and he got me a public affairs slot in ROTC. We kept in touch over the years. In the late 1970s, Bob called saying he had an opening for me. It was in the 100th Division of the Army Reserve in Louisville where we served five years together.. He always showed a sense of humor. One time he could not find one boot, so he wore an athletic sock to fool the brass--and it worked. The last time I saw him was at the MSU reunion, and he was the same old Bob. Each year the first Christmas card we received was signed simply "Doc". Bob was the last person who called me Geno. He influenced a lot of people in a positive way. I already miss my dear friend, RIP,

One of the great ones and a true mentor. There is no way I'm where I am today without having known Bob McGaughey. You'll be missed. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Bob was one of my favorite people, and it was pure joy to be in his company! Only a few weeks ago, we were laughing about how he and Another senior at Murray State enrolled in one of my classes THE FIRST YEAR I taught at MSU and proceeded to ace every exam! They so enjoyed showing off, he said. Bob leaves a legacy of joy and laughter; what a beautiful and lasting gift to all who knew him. I will miss him.

Doc was my HERO; but then that's an honor I must share with hundreds of others. Only Doc could make you feel that you were at the top of his "favorite" list. It was his gift and it carried many of us through the trials of this real life; the thought that someone as special as HE, regarded you so fondly, cannot be replicated, not in this life at least. Some day. . . . I love you Doc! ~Z. (Rhonda Simmons (Miles). MSU '80 & '82

Cindy

Although I credit Doc for teaching me and leading me to others who taught me to be a writer, I am at a loss to express the profound impact this humble, kind, and witty teacher and friend had on my life. It is one thing to take someone under your wing, but is quite another to keep them there until they can soar. Doc didn't just recruit students to Murray, he saw was always there to make sure they soared. His impact is an inspiration to all of us.

Bob "Doc" McGaughey left a large, positive imprint on this earth. I have had the privilege of his friendship as colleague at Murray State University at MSU basketball games and Holiday gatherings. Many of us have memorized most of the "Dr. Vee and Dr. Trey" comedy bits, but we laughed loudly every time. His commitment to students was an inspiration to me and countless others. It has been a life well-lived and we shall miss him every day.

The greatest gift that Doc gave to us all is that we all believe we were his favorite. What a great gift to receive. What an incredible legacy to leave.

The Rural Blog takes note: https://irjci.blogspot.com/2019/06/robert-mcgaughey-journalism-education.html

Doc, the influence you have had on me is immeasurable. So many of the good things in my life have roots back to you and the doors you helped open to me and Johnny as young college kids. We are forever indebted to you and honored to call you our friend.

It was always a pleasure to be in the presence of Bob McGaughey, who was ever ready with a hearty greeting, a good story and thoughtful observations. He was the face of journalism at Murray for almost a quarter of a century and leaves a great legacy. --Al Cross, professor, University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

Bob, I'm going to miss your easy-going yet hip style. I've known you since first grade in Hopkinsville and consider you to be my best friend, as I am sure so many others do as well. We played basketball together for the Tigers. We served on a lot of high school committees together. In all of them, you were always the leader, since we knew we could trust your judgment. And still have lots of fun. Rest easy, my friend.

He was a dear friend and mentor to me during my time at MSU and over the years since that time. A blessing to all who knew him.

I first met him in Summer O and he was the reason that I decided to study JMC. He was a special person who never forgot a name, no matter how long you had been out of school. This is a huge loss to not only the department of JMC but to Murray State. Rest in Peace Doc. I can image that you are still entertaining just on a bigger stage.

A WONDEFUL, KIND SMART, AND FUNNY MAN. THE VOICE OF MANY MIDNIGHT BREAKFASTS AND MANY OTHER THINGS, ALWAYS PLEASANT TO BE AROUND. I SMILE (ALONG WITH TEARS IN MY EYES AND A WEIGHT ON MY HEART)NOW AND EACH TIME I THINK OF HIM. ALWAYS WITH THAT TWINKLE IN HIS EYES, LIKE WHAT CAN I GET INTO NOW, YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED DR. TREY

My friend, my mentor, my teacher. How blessed I have been to have had him in my life. He has been a tremendous gift to all who had the honor of knowing him.

He was a legend! RIP Doc

What a keen mind Dr. McGaughey had! He appeared never to forget anything--not even little things. Fittingly, though the rest of us may have duller wit than his, we will certainly ALWAYS remember HIM.

I first met Doc as a junior at Murray State University when I transferred there to study advertising back in 2005. He had an amazing ability to teach a whole mess of subject matter while keeping things interesting. He was an effective teacher, a fun entertainer, and a great guy. Doc, we're going to miss you.

I was a Specialist 5 assigned to the 100th DIV (TNG) in the PIO shop (now referred to as the PAO in the US Army) in 1977/78. I was a photo/journalist at the time. I had an absolute GREAT TIME working for Bob and Gene Murray. Bob was always positive and joked around even with our Commanding General at the time, MG Beach. Bob arranged for the 100th Division newspaper to be printed at Murray State University. Dr./MAJ Bob McGaughey signed a letter of recommendation for my Direct Commission. The rest is history!
V/r
Larry McCarthy
LTC, USA, Ret.

Blessed to call Doc my friend. He touched so many lives with his teaching and his amazing sense of humor. Thanks for the priceless memories. Rest In Peace, Doc.

Sorry to lose such a great guy. You will be missed by all of us.

I'm honored to have known this unique person and to call Bob my friend and fraternity brother. Bob had a very positive influence on many, many people and he will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace, my brother.

Doc McGaughey was one of those rare people who could do it all and do it well and have fun at the same time. I know he touched countless lives, including mine. He will be forever missed.