George Lee McGonigle

George Lee McGonigle was always authentically himself. He lived a long, full life that celebrated faith, family and fellowship. He passed away on August 28, 2024, in Austin, TX at the age of 97.

Born on May 6, 1927, to Ruth Young and George (Mac) McGonigle, George grew up in Brownsville, TX graduating from Brownsville High School in 1944. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.

He married Martha Ann Goss in 1949, and they lived together until her death in 2021. He was the devoted father of Steve McGonigle, Ann McGonigle Kifer and Ellen McGonigle; beloved father-in-law to Kris Imherr and Charley Kifer; cherished grandfather of Josh McGonigle, Kelsey McGonigle, Max Kifer, Eliza Kifer and Brazos Bell; the proud great grandfather of Madison McGonigle and Jax McGonigle; the dear brother of Betty McGonigle Capshaw; and the loving uncle of Megan Capshaw, John Capshaw and Courtney Capshaw.

He was a proud member of the US Navy and the US Naval Reserve. In 1951, he accepted a position with Humble Oil & Refining Company (ExxonMobil) where he served as an executive responsible for the construction and management of the 800 Bell headquarters in downtown Houston and the Exxon Production Research Company facility.

He took a brief leave from his work at ExxonMobil to serve as Director of the Houston Model Cities Program under Mayor Louis Welch. A major part of President Johnson’s Great Society program, the Model Cities Program was charged with reducing urban blight and poverty.

He ended his career with ExxonMobil after serving as Vice President of Operations with affiliate Friendswood Development Company.

When George retired from Exxon, he and Martha Ann moved to Austin where he served as the temporary provost of the Episcopal Seminary. They also spent a year in New York City where George assumed the role of Assistant to the Presiding Bishop of the national Episcopal Church. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1986.

He was an active member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin for many years. He took great solace in the teachings of the church and made many life-long friends in the parish.

He remained a curious and connected person until the end of his life. He was always thoughtful, opinionated, funny and grateful. His memory will be forever treasured by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Requiescat in pace.

A memorial service will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 W. 8th St, in downtown Austin at 3 pm on Thursday, September 19, 2024, with a reception following in Sumners Hall. Interment will be at Glenwood Cemetery, 2525 Washington Avenue, in Houston on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage bequests to the charity of your choice in George’s name.