"Dr. McGehee was a kind heart - from the first day that I met him, he always provided guidance and words of wisdom from an experienced Optometrist to a new one!! He treated his patients and staff as family and was truly someone to emulate! God Bless him! He will be truly missed! Cheryl Simoneau, OD"
In loving memory of
John Nelson McGehee
January 17, 1931 - August 31, 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.
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. He was a longtime member of the American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association, and Past President of the Southwest Florida Optometric Association. An active member of the community, he was named the Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1962 by the Charlotte County Jaycees, presided as president of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and the Port Charlotte Lions Club, and elected to the Port Charlotte Bank Advisory Board. He belonged to the American Legion, having served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. John and Peggy were founding members of First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte. An avid sports fan, John belonged to the Charlotte County Gator and Charlotte High School Booster Clubs.
Having met at the age of five and married for 53 years, John was predeceased by the love of his life, Peggy Bryant McGehee. 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, and many close family friends.
A Celebration of John's Life will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 7 at First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte, 20035 Quesada Ave where flowers are welcomed.
Charitable donations can be made to TideWell Hospice at www.TideWell.org or Charlotte High School Athletic Dept.
Tributes
"Brenda, Brian and family , Taking a few moments this morning To reflect back to some great memories with John and Peggy When Mike was at Charlotte High McGehee's was a second home . Hard to find words to express feelings. Pray the Love of Family and Friends help you through this difficult time. Love and Prayers The Nabers "