Richard McGehee

Richard McGehee, 86, died August 14, 2004 at Candler Hospital. He was born in Macon, Georgia and was educated in the public schools of Macon and Georgia Military College, Milledgeville, Georgia. In September 1940 he joined the Army of the United States for one-year duty, and was a sergeant assigned to the 128th Infantry at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After serving one year, he received an Honorable Discharge in September 1941 and returned to Macon, Georgia. In February 1942 he was accepted by the U.S. Army Air Corps Pilot-training program, graduating in March 1943 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was assigned as an instructor to the Twin Engine Advanced Pilot Training Program, Stuttgart, Arkansas. During this tour of duty he met and married Mary Louise Stephens of Gurdon, Arkansas, on February 9, 1945. After receiving Honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1946, as a Captain, they moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he founded the Rock-A-Bye Diaper Service, and Ind ustrial Uniform and Wiping Cloth Service. In 1957 he founded the G.Q.F. Manufacturing Co., manufacture of Incubators and Equipment for Poultry, Ostrich and Game Birds, which are sold worldwide. This business is now being run by his son, R. Stephen McGehee and grandson, Chase Hampton McGehee. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon for several years. He was a member of the Savannah Golf Club and the Savannah Yacht Club. He was a charter member of the Travis Air Field, Airport Commission for 12 years and Chairman when he resigned. Survivors: His wife, Mary Stephens McGehee, a son, R. Stephen McGehee and wife Renee Hardy McGehee of Savannah; a daughter, Angela McGehee Riegle and husband Mark Riegle of Lavita, CO; two grandchildren, April McGehee Roe and husband Tyler Roe of Savannah; Chase Hampton McGehee and wife Elizabeth McGehee of Savannah; two great grandchildren, Magee Roe and Olivia Roe of Savannah; two sisters, Nell Mathis of Saint Simons Islands, G A: Louise Frank of Houston, TX; a brother, Judge Othaniel W. McGehee of Macon, GA. Visitation: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday, August 16, 2004 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Memorial Service: 2:00 pm Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at First Presbyterian Church with The Reverend Dr. Stephen C. Williams officiating. A reception will follow in Stewart Hall. Remembrances: First Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, 520 Washington Avenue, Savannah, GA 31405. Savannah Morning News, August 16, 2004 Please sign our Obituary Guestbook at www.savannahnow.com