John Nelson McGehee

1931 - 2017

John Nelson McGehee, 86, passed away in the loving arms of his family in his Lake Suzy, Florida, home on August 31, 2017. He was born the last of six children on January 17, 1931, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to Alvin and Elizabeth McGehee. John was a graduate of New Smyrna Beach High School in 1949, the University of Florida in 1956, and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee in 1959. A 57-year resident of Charlotte County, John was the first optometrist in Port Charlotte when he moved with his wife, Peggy, and daughter, Brenda, in August, 1960, to establish his practice. Having met at the age of five and married for 53 years, John was predeceased by the love of his life, Peggy Bryant McGehee, also from New Smyrna Beach. He leaves behind his daughter, Brenda Lee McGehee, son, Bryan Alvin McGehee (Denise), grandchildren Megan McGehee and Justin Bell (Johanna) and great-grandchildren, Payton, Delaney, and Hudson. e was also predeceased by his brother, Alvin McGehee, Jr., father, Alvin McGehee, Sr., mother, Elizabeth McGehee, and sisters, Frances Smith, Mildred Cates, and Elizabeth Cowen. He is survived by his brother, James Burke McGehee, and brother-in-law, Russell Smith, and several nieces and nephews.