Paul Ralph McGhee

Paul Ralph McGhee, a Professor of Education at Morehead State University for over 20 years, died on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, in Santa Maria, California. Dr. McGhee was 78. The cause is believed to be related to lung cancer diagnosed just weeks prior to his death. He died surrounded by his three children and his dear companion Ms. Geraldine Sanders. Dr. McGhee, born in Kensington, Ohio, was the youngest of three children born to Curtis L. McGhee and Erma O. (Wright) McGhee. He graduated valedictorian of his class at Augusta High School in 1957, where he also played basketball and served as senior class president.
He married Connie L. (George) McGhee in 1963 at First Presbyterian Church in Carrollton, Ohio. He earned Bachelor of Science and Masters' degrees in Education at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio). At Miami, he was Student Senate President, a leader in campus organizations, and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
He began his teaching career in Rich Township, Park Forest, Illinois, and his administration career as an assistant principal in Massillon, Ohio. He obtained his doctorate from Syracuse University. In 1969, Dr. McGhee moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, to become principal of University High School, with an appointment to West Virginia University as Assistant Professor. In 1973, he moved to full-time teaching duties as an Associate Professor at WVU. He lived in Morgantown, where he taught and raised his family, until 1983 when he moved to Morehead State University, in Morehead, Kentucky. For much of his career at MSU, Dr. McGhee divided his time between teaching and administrative duties. While living in Morehead, he was a volunteer and community leader who served as President of the Kiwanis and member of Faith Presbyterian Church.
Dr. McGhee is survived by his son, Lt. Col. Michael C. McGhee (Ret.) and wife Marianne, of Villa Hills, Kentucky; his son, Mark J. McGhee Esq. and wife Rita, of Charleston, West Virginia; his daughter, Melissa E. Clay and husband Charles T., of Barboursville, West Virginia; and four grandchildren, Caroline M. McGhee, Craig J. McGhee, Lilith M. McGhee, and Maura S. McGhee.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 29, 2018, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead, Kentucky, with a service to follow directly after visitation at 6:00 p.m. A graveside ceremony will be held at the Westview Cemetery in Carrollton, Ohio, on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 1 p.m.