Lee Larue Mcgill

Lee Larue McGill (90), formerly of Dryden, NY, went to be with the Lord Tuesday July 23,
2024 at Groton Community Health Care Center. Lee was born November 3, 1933 in
Wellsville, NY, the son of the late Eugene McGill and Twyla Freeland McGill Wight. In
addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents,
Clinton & Edna Freeland; his sister Geraldine Kelwaski, and his stepfather, Robert
Wight whom he described as “a prince of a man.”
Lee is survived by his beloved Holy Cross Church family; his dear friends Mary and Jim
Galpin and the Keegan family; Mary “Mimi” Lewis, Bill Frank, and his caretakers
Richard and Sharon Buechel.
Lee served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1957 as a wireman. He was
stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and in the Caribbean. He received the
National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. While in the Marines, he was
a boxer. Upon completion of his USMC Reserves obligation, Lee received his honorable
discharge as a Corporal (E-3) in 1962.
After his military service, Lee lived in Freeville, NY and later settled in the village of
Dryden. In 1990, Lee’s strong faith in Jesus and devotion to Mary led him to register as a
parishioner of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, where he served as a Lector and
Eucharistic Minister. Lee was employed by New York Telephone/Verizon as a lineman
for more than 30 years. He and his buddies met regularly before work at a little diner in
Dryden for coffee, and those friendships continued throughout his life. In retirement,
Lee enjoyed golfing, walks around the village of Dryden, and lifting weights into his
80s. Lee loved God, Praying the Rosary daily, Bible study, his friends, music, golf,
nature, animals, and drives in his blue Camaro listening to his favorite songs by The
Moody Blues.
Lee had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. He was a member of the Holy Cross church
choir for many years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the
Holy Cross Church Pipe Organ Fund, or to any Christian charities of the donor’s choice.
Per Lee’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at
Holy Cross Church, 375 George Road, Freeville, NY 13068 on Wednesday, August 7 at
12:00 pm. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Willow Glen Cemetery, Route 13,
Freeville, NY 13068.