Rev. Robert Nelson Mcghee Jr.

ROBERT NELSON MCGHEE, JR. 94, of Maryville, TN found rest on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. He was born on July 12, 1925 in Vonore, Tennessee and was the second son of Robert (Nelse) and Nancy Elvira (Black) McGhee. He grew up on the farmland that was tended by his father. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1945 and following boot camp was deployed to Germany during the post-World War II era. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1946, he returned home and married Betty Ruth Lenoir on May 10, 1947. They enjoyed 67 years of a beautiful life together.

In 1957, Rev. McGhee was installed as the sixth pastor of FosterChapel Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee where he served for forty-eight years. During his service at Foster Chapel, the church experience steady growth. Pastor McGhee retired in April 2005 and afterwards became a member and was designated “Pastor Emeritus” of the same body of Believers in which he had served. Reverend McGhee loved his family and never met a stranger. He used every opportunity to present Jesus to those around him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, great grandson, Jalen Hall, as well as nine sisters and brothers. Those left with precious memories of him include: son, Rodney (Greta) McGhee of Knoxville, TN, daughter, Constance (Vincent) Hall, Sr. of Panama City, FL;daughters, Paula McGhee and Robin Whitmore (Maryville, TN);grandchildren, April Butler, Latisha McGhee, Tamra Hall, Vincent(Shanna) Hall, Jr., Robert J. McGhee (fiancé, Tenea Lowery), Keira Clark, and Shaye Whitmore; great grand-children, Achiya McGhee, Shamary Hall, KeShana Hall, Shyanna Dixson, Devon Butler, Daija Whitmore, Chante’ Abrams, McKayla Hall, Za’Kiya McGhee, Mariyah Hayes, Jaxson Hightower, and Tamauri Dixson; great, great grandsons, Amari and Hayden Butler; brother, John Allen (Daisy) McGhee (Alcoa, TN); sisters-in-law, Bealuh Giles (San Francisco, CA) and Betty Jo Lenoir (Alcoa, TN); numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves to cherish his memories many who were known as “adopted” children (especially his next door neighbors, Bobby and Lisa Newland), as well as friends and co-ministers in the Gospel. Pastor Emeritus McGhee truly believed in his favorite scripture, which states “. . . And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Funeral service will be held Sunday July 21, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at Foster Chapel Baptist Church Knoxville. Family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. at the church. Entombment will be held Monday July 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Sherwood Gardens Alcoa. Body may be viewed after noon Saturday at Foothills Funeral Home 910 E. Lincoln RD Maryville. www.foothillsfh.com