Cover photo for John M. McGilvray's Obituary
John M. McGilvray Profile Photo
1948 John 2024

John M. McGilvray

June 9, 1948 — April 26, 2024

Watkinsville, Georgia

John M. McGilvray, of Watkinsville, GA, a proud Marine Corps veteran, passionate conservationist, and beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26, 2024. He was born on June 9, 1948, in Gainesville, Florida, to the late James Tapp McGilvray and Mary Agnes Fields McGilvray.

John's life was one of dedication and service, marked by love for his family and country. He served his nation with honor during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Marine Corps, where his bravery and sacrifice earned him the Purple Heart Award.

Beyond his military service, John was deeply committed to conservation and the great outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he found solace and joy in the natural world, spending countless hours maintaining and cherishing his land. His passion for gun safety led him to teach Hunter Safety Courses for many years, sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. Additionally, he was a skilled gunsmith, dedicating his talents to ensuring the safe and responsible use of firearms.

John's legacy is one of love, service, and dedication. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 52 years, Janice McGilvray, their son Joel M. McGilvray (Michael J. Connell), and his sister Kathleen Wilson of Gainesville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary McGilvray, as well as his brothers Jimmy McGilvray and Joel McGilvray.

In his life, John exemplified the values of honor, integrity, and patriotism. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the principles he upheld. Rest in peace, John M. McGilvray, a true American hero.

Services will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home Chapel, visitation will be at 2PM with the service following at 3PM.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John M. McGilvray, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, May 2, 2024

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes Watkinsville

1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Thursday, May 2, 2024

3:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes Watkinsville

1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 864

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree