Born in Nashville, May 1, 1940, George was the son of Dan E. McGugin, Jr and Catherine Bew McGugin.
George was a loving husband, father and grandfather, loyal friend, acclaimed lawyer, passionate coach, avid golfer, and a man of faith.
George lived in Nashville his entire life, except for a brief stint in Philadelphia where his father was stationed during his time serving in the US Military.
As a youth, George enjoyed pick-up football games, was a gritty quarterback at Parmer School and played golf with family and friends. He graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy, where his sharp wit was recognized by his peers--he was named ‘the Biggest Bull Artist’ in his senior year yearbook. He starred on one the best golf teams in the state, while also creating lifetime memories on the football field.
George continued his football career at Vanderbilt, where he was named to the All-SEC Sophomore First Team. Following graduation in 1962, George entered Vanderbilt law school, finishing in 1965.
Before starting his law practice George joined the National Guard which led him to Germany for training. George then joined his father at the firm that traces its roots to the firm started by his grandfather, longtime Vanderbilt Coach Dan McGugin. George used his skills as an orator, writer, mediator, litigator, and advocate to earn the highest respect from those with whom he worked. He was elected President of the International Association of Defense Counsel, an organization comprised of the world’s leading corporate and insurance lawyers. He was also chosen as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Attorneys.
In the later years of his professional career, George adjusted his focus to Mediation which allowed him to use his talents to bring two sides to a common ground.
In 1976 George married the love of his life, Anne Applegarth, an Atlanta native. Their twin sons, Daniel and Bill, were born in 1977, and daughter Susan was born in 1982. George and Anne shared 47 years of fun, friends, travel and love.
Outside of his professional law practice, George had a gift for coaching and mentoring others. George spent the early 1960s assisting his high school alma mater’s football team. He returned in the late 1990s to renew his passion. While his tenure in the 1960s may have focused on fundamentals and skill development, it was during this second stint in the 90s where the essence of George’s coaching focused on mentoring, motivating and inspiring. George’s influence had a positive and lasting impact on hundreds of players. He viewed his ultimate job as one to provide intangibles that did not show up in the box score.
George was a master storyteller and no matter the occasion or location, he was surrounded by friends laughing at his jokes, various voices and well spun tales. He personified “never let a few facts stand in the way of a good story.” He knew everyone’s name and was the first to speak---particularly to those others might overlook.
George was predeceased by his parents and his brother Dan E. McGugin III. George is survived by his beloved wife Anne, sons Daniel George McGugin (Jennifer) and William Applegarth McGugin (Rankin) and daughter Susan Anne McGugin Davis (Jay), all of Nashville. Plus 10 amazing grandchildren: Dan, Thomas, Matthew, William, Nancy, Frances, Preston, Jack, George and Christopher.
Visitation with the family was held Tuesday April 25th, at Belle Meade Country Club, and Wednesday April 26th, at St Henry Church, followed by a Funeral Mass.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Abe’s Garden Community for their loving care of George over the last 14 months.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of George, please consider St Henry Church, 6401 Harding Rd, Nashville, 37205, Abe’s Garden Community, 115 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37205, or a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the McGugin family.
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