William "Joe" Joseph McGrath, Sr.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of three years, Jeanne Kiker Sikes-McGrath of Fort Mill, SC, Sons: William J. McGrath, Jr. (Joey) and wife Michelle of Camden, NC, Shawn P. McGrath and wife Michelle of Fort Mill, SC and daughters: Wendy M. Stewart and husband Joe of Statesville, NC and Anna M. McGrath and fiancé Tim Kirk of Charlotte, NC. In addition to his wife and children, Joe will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Josh and wife Megan, Sarah McGrath, Hannah and Patrick McGrath, Joseph, Benjamin and Liam Stewart, Grace and Isabella Reitano and Daniel Kirk; his sister Patricia Gibson and husband Bill of Savannah, GA; sisters-in-law Gail McGrath of Midway, GA, Mildred Miller and husband Fred of Savannah GA and Frances Saxon and husband JC of Savannah, GA. Joe also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who were all special to him.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John R. and Sara McGrath, his wife of 48 years, Barbara Jean Walz McGrath, his mother and father-in-law John and Evelyn Walz, his brother John R. McGrath, Jr. and nephew Doug Carter.

Pallbearers: Joey McGrath, Shawn McGrath, Joe Stewart, Josh McGrath, Patrick McGrath and Joseph Stewart. Honorary Pallbearers: Benjamin Stewart, Daniel Kirk and Liam Stewart.

Joe was a humble man who possessed a true servant's heart. Joe was a devoted husband and father who loved his family and cherished spending time with them. Joe graduated Savannah High School in 1960 and enlisted in the US Navy. He proudly served his country on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Midway class aircraft carrier.

Joe and Barbara were married on September 1, 1961 in Savannah, Georgia and they built a happy life together for 48 years until her death in September 2009. During her diagnosis and illness, he never left her side and was the glue that kept his family together during such a tragic time. Together they raised four children while Joe was a comptroller for Gowen Oldsmobile, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep. He was a hard worker who taught his children a strong work ethic and responsibility.

Joe loved to work in the yard and was a fantastic vegetable gardener, having success with anything he planted. He was an avid UNC Tarheel Basketball fan, screaming at the TV in hopes that Dean Smith would hear him! Joe was always the first to volunteer for any job. He tirelessly supported his children in anything they were interested in be it Scouts, sports or dance. He even performed at his daughters’ dance recital in a pink leotard and tutu in the special “Daddy's Dance”.

He and Barbara worked endlessly with the Olympic High School Marching Band Boosters while their children were in school. He loved every band member as if they were his own child. He could be heard screaming “WE LOVE YOU TROJANS!!” before every performance. Fishing with his children and grandchildren was a special time that he enjoyed the most. He had the time of his life when his boys took him deep sea fishing and he caught the catch of the day, a huge sailfish. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and he loved each and every one with all of his heart. In his later years, Joe enjoyed attending any sporting event that his grandkids were involved in, from rowing to Special Olympics, football, lacrosse or soccer. He was always there to support and cheer them on.

Some people may know Joe as Santa, he especially loved dressing and being a Santa's Helper and volunteering to go to daycare centers, church events, retirement homes and anywhere that would ask him. His grandkids lovingly called him “Papa Claus”. Kids all over were drawn to the man who looked authentically like Santa all throughout the year. Joe was deeply involved in his church, Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church and loved his church family. He was a member of the hand bell choir, sang in the Chancel choir and a men's group "The Disciples." He served as a deacon, as elder on many various committees and currently is serving as an elder and is chair of the building and grounds committee and a member of Diversity in Worship Committee. Joe helped for many years with “Room In The Inn." He participated in various mission trips, usually involving a hammer, at Lure Crest Camp and in Gary, WV. He was also very involved in CCEC, Central Carolinas Emmaus Community, The Walk to Emmaus, volunteering and participating at every opportunity.

Joe and Jeanne were blessed to find love and companionship again in life when they began dating. They were married on February 18, 2017. They supported each other with love and laughter every day. Joe survived pancreatic cancer, after surgery in 2018 and had enjoyed every day God gave him after that with love, joy and good humor.

Joe never met a stranger, never missed an opportunity to bless someone who was down on their luck, always had a smile for and "have a blessed day" to everyone he interacted with.

A huge "Joe size" hole is missing in our hearts today but one thing we know for sure is, Heaven is much sweeter today than it was a few days ago.

Services will be held at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 9401 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28273 on Saturday, February 22, 2020 with the Funeral beginning at 11 am, and the Reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

Burial will follow at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 7001 Steele Creek Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28278.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Capitol Improvement Fund, Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church.

On-line condolences may be shared at www. mcewenpinevillechapel.com.