Robert J. “Bob” McGarity, age 84 of Lawrenceville, died Thursday, July 19, 2007.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, July 23, 2007 at First Baptist Church of Lawrenceville. The body will lie in state beginning at 10:00 AM. Dr. Ronnie Spillers and Dr. Lamar Holley will officiate. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Dacula.
Bob was born in Atlanta on August 19, 1922, the son of Stephens B. and Eva McGarity. He attended Boy’s High, graduating in 1940. Bob was always very proud to be an alumnus of Boy’s High and attended their reunions regularly. He attended Davidson College in North Carolina. Bob began his career in radio announcing at WBGE in Atlanta. He also worked at WSB in Atlanta and at stations in Griffin and Winder, GA. Bob and his family moved to Lawrenceville in 1959 and established WLAW-AM 1360 Radio and Bob served as General Manager there until its sale in 1985.
Bob always loved his Lord Jesus Christ and felt a call to ministry when he was in his fifties, becoming a Licensed Minister of the Southern Baptist faith. He served as Chaplain at Medical Arts Nursing Home in Lawrenceville until his retirement in early 2007. Bob was a member of The Disciples Sunday School Class and thoroughly enjoyed their times of study, fellowship and deep friendships.
Bob was active in Lawrenceville Civic Associations throughout his career at WLAW. He was a great fan and supporter of Central Gwinnett High School Football and tried never to miss a game. He served as Game Announcer for many years. One of Bob’s most memorable accomplishments was composing the lyrics for Central Gwinnett’s Fight Song in the 1960’s. Bob also loved UGA Football.
He is survived by: Wife: Bess McMillian McGarity, Lawrenceville; Daughter & Son-in-law: Lisa & Jim Powell, Lincolnton, NC; Son: Steve McGarity; Granddaughter: Amy Murray; Grandson: Brian Powell; Three Stepchildren and their families who loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to: First Baptist Church of Lawrenceville, P.O. Box 228, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 or Peachtree Christian Hospice, 3430 Duluth Park Lane, NW, Duluth, GA 30096. The family invites all current and former Central Gwinnett Football Players and Coaches to serve as Honorary Escorts at the funeral.
Family will receive friends from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Sunday, July 22, 2007 at the Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30045.
Please sign online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.