Celebrating the life of
Frank S. McGaughey, Jr.
May 10, 1923 - February 02, 2008
Frank S. McGaughey, Jr.
Frank McGaughey, of Atlanta and Savannah, age 84, passed away in Savannah on February, 2, 2008.
He was a native of Atlanta, born May 10, 1923, to Frank S. McGaughey, Sr. and Margaret Haverty McGaughey. He attended Marist School, Holy Cross College, and graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Business Administration. He was a member of the University of Georgia Alumni Society and was a member of Chi Phi Fraternity. During World War II he served his country with the 106th Infantry Division. The division had been placed on the front lines in the winter of 1944 in what had been called a quiet area of the Ardennes forest. He saw heavy action in The Battle of the Bulge during a surprise German attack of the "Ardennes Offense." His unit was overrun and he was captured. With frozen feet, he endured the long march. He was indebted to one particular Italian-American soldier who partially carried him through much of the march to the prison, in all probability saving his life. The legacy of his family will forever be thankful for this Unknown Soldier. He was listed as missing in action and endured German prison camps until the Allies liberated the prisoners in the spring of 1945. He was awarded the WWII Victory medal, American service Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, and the European African Eastern Service medal with two bronze stars.
In August, 1947, he joined Havertys Furniture Company, Inc., the company founded by his grandfather, James Joseph Haverty in 1885. He served in most all areas of the business moving up the corporate ladder to become Vice President. He was merchandising director before being named as President and Chief Operating Officer in 1984. He was a Havertys Board member and in1990 he was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of Havertys. He continued to serve the Company for 47 years and the Board for 34 years until his retirement in 1995. In business he had a keen insight and a unique manner in which he cut directly through complex situations to the solutions and will long be remembered and appreciated by those who worked with him.
He was active in a number of business, civic, and church organizations. He served on the Board of Directors of Horizon Industries Inc., on the staff of the National Retail Furniture Association, and on the lay advisory board of Marist School, being named its Distinguished Alumnus of 1988. He also served as the Chairman and trustee of the Katherine and Russell Bellman Foundation, and secretary and Trustee of the Mary E. Haverty Foundation.
He was a member of Cherokee Town and Country Club, Capital City Country Club, and The Piedmont Driving Club, the Nine O' Clocks Highlands Falls Country Club, Savannah Oglethorpe Club and the Romeo Club.
He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta, serving as a member of the Finance committee and President of the Parish Council and a Sunday school teacher. He is preceded in death by his wife of almost 53 years, the former Vivian Newberry, a brother, James McGaughey, a sister, Mary Gay and a daughter, Margaret Haverty McGaughey. He is survived by his wife, Marie Boomershine Backus McGaughey of Atlanta and Savannah whom he married in October, 2000; four sons, Frank S. McGaughey, III, of Williamson, Richard N. McGaughey of Atlanta, Michael J. McGaughey of Lakemont, Douglas S. McGaughey of Macon, a daughter, Clare McGaughey Bryan of Atlanta, and 20 devoted grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. As well, he enjoyed the love and care of Marie's family; Julia Backus Smith, George Backus Jr., Ellison Backus Mingledorff McAllaster, Georgette Backus Maner Bragg, Susan Backus Reardon, Gordon Rogers Backus and fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
As a beloved father and grandfather, he will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and love. His devotion to Vivian and Marie was unparalleled and obvious to all. His character of seriousness, mixed with fun, was unique and appreciated. His work ethic was contagious and duplicated by his family.
A visitation on Tuesday, February 5th will be held at Fox and Weeks,
from 5pm - 7pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2008, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta.
Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4476 Northside Dr. NW Atlanta Ga. 30309 or The Marist School, 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE Atlanta Ga. 30319.
Service in Atlanta will be arranged by H. M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill, 1020 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Our love and sympathy are with you.
- George & Shirley Oelschig, Savannah, GA
My deepest Condolences
- Freeman Jelks, Jr., Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Frank was such a sweet man, he will be missed. Vicki & Joe Anckner
- Vicki & Joe Anckner, Savannah, GA
My prayers are with you, Marie. I shall be thiniking of you a lot in the days ahead. . . .
- Donna Cooper, Savannah, GA
I have very fond memories of Frank McGaughey and will miss him very much. He was a true gentleman and devoted friend to our family.
- William Rawson Smith, Atlanta, GA
May God embrace the family with his sweet spirit, to comfort the family. Remember all the kindness and happy times you shared with Mr. McGaughey, I can see his beautiful smile. God Bless You.
- Gloria J. Roberts, Atlanta, GA
Our prayers go out to the McGaughey and Havertys family. He will be greatly missed
- Mark Moege, Orlando, FL
My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
- Dennis Waltman, Cocoa, FL
Our love and sympathy are with you.
- George & Shirley Oelschig, Savannah, GA
My deepest Condolences
- Freeman Jelks, Jr., Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Frank was such a sweet man, he will be missed. Vicki & Joe Anckner
- Vicki & Joe Anckner, Savannah, GA
My prayers are with you, Marie. I shall be thiniking of you a lot in the days ahead. . . .
- Donna Cooper, Savannah, GA
I have very fond memories of Frank McGaughey and will miss him very much. He was a true gentleman and devoted friend to our family.
- William Rawson Smith, Atlanta, GA
May God embrace the family with his sweet spirit, to comfort the family. Remember all the kindness and happy times you shared with Mr. McGaughey, I can see his beautiful smile. God Bless You.
- Gloria J. Roberts, Atlanta, GA
Our prayers go out to the McGaughey and Havertys family. He will be greatly missed
- Mark Moege, Orlando, FL
My thoughts and prayers are with the family!
- Dennis Waltman, Cocoa, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
