Robert Lee (R. L.) Mcgaha

Franklin, NC - Robert Lee (R. L.) McGaha, age 87, of Bryson City Road, Franklin, NC, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2009 in an Asheville hospital. He was a native of Macon County, the son of the late James Fred McGaha and Vinnie Matlock McGaha. He was married first to Mattie Pearl Bryson McGaha, who passed away in 1995, and is survived by his second wife Mary Gordon Seay McGaha.

He was retired from the US Army, after 27 years of service. He served during World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. His service included assignments in Panama, Guam, Germany, Thailand, South Korea, and numerous stateside posts. His awards include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major.

He was a member of Cowee Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Annie Lee Olive and her husband Jerrel of Fuquay Varina, NC; a son, Bill McGaha and his wife Stephanie of Franklin, NC, a step-daughter, Jennifer Watts, and her husband Jerry, of Clayton, GA; two step-sons, Danny Seay of Franklin, NC and Dale Seay, and his wife Denise, of Powder Springs, GA; eleven grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by a sister, Grace Pierrett.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29th at 2:00pm at Cowee Baptist Church, with Rev. David Powell and Rev. Tommy Fouts officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. The Franklin VFW Post #7339 and American Legion Post #108 will conduct military graveside rites. Pallbearers will be Travis Seay, Danny Seay, Jerry H. Watts, John Olive, Jeremy McGaha and Andy McGaha.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm Wednesday evening, at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home, where the body will remain until placed in the Church thirty minutes prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Cowee Baptist Church Building Fund, 6301 Bryson City Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are available by visiting www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.