The Rev. Claude Earl McGavic Jr., 91, of LaGrange passed away Saturday at his home. The Rev. McGavic was born March 8, 1927, in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Claude proudly served his country both in the Army obtaining the rank of Private 1st Class during World War II and the Air Force Reserves as a Tech Sergeant during the Korean War. Claude worked for Delta Airlines for 36 years before taking early retirement. On May 9, 1982, Claude was ordained into the ministry.

After a mission trip to Geneva, New York, Claude felt the call to minister to the upstate New York area. He served the Lord in many different capacities, including education and disaster relief until he moved to LaGrange in 2003. Claude continued to minister until his death. The Rev. McGavic was a member of Callaway Baptist Church.

On Sept. 19, 1948, Claude married the love of his life, Martha Ann Tunnell McGavic in Memphis, Tennessee. Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ann Tunnell McGavic, June 29, 2018, and a son, Bruce. He is survived by his son, David (Judy) McGavic, Daughter, Claudia (Samson) Bekele, Grandchildren, Nathan (Denise), Adrienne(Marcus Sr.) and Marcienne (Zach); eight great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Alma Hughes.

Visitation for the Rev. Claude Earl McGavic Jr. will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, from the sanctuary of Callaway Baptist Church with the Rev. Brad Thompson officiating. Interment will be in Meadoway Gardens cemetery next to his wife and son, and he finally gets to hear those words from Jesus in person, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

 In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Haven Baptist fellowship for their lodge and retreat center, a ministry that Claude loved and diligently worked to launch while he was on mission in New York. Please send donations to “The Haven”, 3781 Old Mill Road, Stanley, New York 14561.

Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Please log on to www.hunterallenmyhand.com to leave your condolences and remembrances.