Tony McGehee of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the age of 64. He was a bright light who brought joy to every room and generously shared his time, talents, and love with others.

Making others feel loved and cared for was simply who he was. Whether it was tending to a yard that needed attention, making a sweet dessert to share, bringing a laugh, or simply offering an ear to listen, Tony was there.

What made Tony such a bright light and helping hand was his faith in Jesus Christ. He was an example of what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He leaned on the promise that the good work God began in him would continue and carry him through his battles. There was something about that confidence that just made you want to be around him.

Tony was a loving husband to Suzi for more than 42 years. Together, they built a life centered on love, laughter, and their motto to “Love It Out” through tough situations. As a father to Jacob and Justin, he provided unwavering encouragement, laughter, and support, modeling what it truly means to be a good man.

Tony cherished being Grandpa, affectionately known as Gpaw. He had so much fun with each of his grandchildren, creating new games, telling funny stories, building pillow forts, and giving blanket rides. He had a special gift for turning ordinary moments into treasured memories, and being a grandparent was one of his greatest joys.

He enjoyed being outside, whether having his hands in the dirt or his feet in the sand. An avid gardener, he transformed their backyard into a masterpiece of vibrant colors. Early in their marriage, Suzi mentioned that if she were rich, she would have fresh flowers on her table. Tony made that dream come true, nurturing beautiful gardens for her to enjoy and share with others. He had a gift for seeing beauty and potential where others might not and took joy in creating something new.

After years building tires at Dunlop, Tony returned to college in his 40s and earned a bachelor's degree in education. As an elementary school teacher, he positively impacted his students' self-esteem. Later, he explored his inner farmer through Deep Roots and 1818 Farms and his inner actor, magnificently portraying Reverend Oglethorpe in Smoke on the Mountain in his 50s. Tony and Suzi also self-published several children’s storybooks, combining his love for writing with her photography.

Tony's life was defined not by what he had, but by what he gave: his time, love, humor, helping hands, and unending generosity. His impact will be measured not by the years he lived, but by how well he lived them. Tony made our lives brighter simply by being in them. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he loved and encouraged, the friends and neighbors he helped, the laughter he shared, the gardens he planted, and the countless lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis McGehee. He is survived by his mother, Charlyne McGehee.

Their shared memories will be cherished by his wife, Suzi McGehee. Tony's legacy lives on through his two sons, Jacob (Lauren) McGehee and Justin (Courtney) McGehee, and his grandchildren: Micah, Emma, Cillian, and Keaton. He will be deeply missed by his sisters, Jeannie (Allen) Thomas, Joni (Nate) Alexander, and Jan (Mark) Allen, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 7 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and a service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Merrimack Hall (merrimackhall.com) or your favorite local nonprofit.

Tony will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten.