Joseph G. McGahee, Jr.

It is with profound sadness and grief that the family of Joseph G. “Joby” McGahee, Jr. announces his sudden passing on Christmas Day, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Joby was born on August 4, 1948, at Walker Clinic—formerly known as the Charm House—to Joseph G. McGahee, Sr. and Mardelle Shirley McGahee. He was a Boy Scout with Troop 24 in Cornelia, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He later became the proud father of two Eagle Scouts and the grandfather of two Eagle Scouts.

Joby was among Habersham County’s earliest paramedics and was always impressed by how the local EMT profession continued to grow. He bravely served his country as a combat infantryman during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he worked alongside his family at McGahee Furniture Store in downtown Cornelia.

He later opened Lock, Stock & Barrel, a gun shop where he found great joy helping hunters prepare for each season. However, Joby’s true calling began when someone brought him a clock to see if he could make it run. He educated himself, attended seminars, and apprenticed under several “old-timers” in New York, Kansas, and Atlanta, gaining extensive experience with high-end antique clocks. Over the years, more than ten thousand clocks crossed his workbench, arriving from many states. He took equal pride in restoring a common household clock as well as historically significant timepieces.

As a hobby, Joby enjoyed making contacts through amateur (ham) radio. Holding an Extra Class license, he connected with hundreds of operators around the world.

All of these interests and accomplishments were secondary to the joy of his 52 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Edna.

Along with Edna, Joby is survived by his sons, Jake and his wife, Emily, and Clayton and his wife, Jennifer. He was blessed with two grandsons, Joseph and Mitchell, who were very special to him, and whom he adored.

Additional survivors include his sister, Becky Chambers, and her husband, Don; their children and grandchildren; brothers-in-law Sam Hulsey and his son Tim Hulsey, and Jerry Hulsey and his wife Patty, along with their children and grandchildren; and sister-in-law Judy Henzel and her husband John, and their children and grandchildren.

Joby’s family was his true treasure and a gift from God. He always felt God’s presence and guidance throughout his life and often shared that God had spared him from the perils of war for the family that was yet to come. Always kind and patient, Joby was mindful that he was a witness for our Lord Jesus Christ in every day and in every activity.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Mr. Clayton McGahee, Mr. John Henzel, and Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. Interment will follow at Yonah Memorial Gardens, with military honors provided by the Grant Reeves Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour on Tuesday. An online guest registry is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org) or Team Rubicon USA (teamrubiconusa.org).

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.