Ronnie Daryl McGaha

Former Longtime NGS and Cosby Educator Passes Away Ronnie Darryl McGaha DOD: March 20, 2019 Mr. Ronnie D. McGaha, age 72, passed away from this earthly life on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Ronnie was born October 30, 1946 in Morristown, TN. He attended Newport Grammar School and Cocke County High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee Technological University, where he was elected President of the Arts & Sciences Council as well as President of the Biology Club, earning a scholarship for his academic achievements. He then began his first year of teaching in South Carolina, where he obtained his Master's Degree in Educational Administration. A long-time educator, he then returned to NGS - first as a teacher and then as an instructional/attendance supervisor for 19 years. Mr. McGaha then served as Cosby School principal from 1992-1994. Later, Ronnie also worked as a Rural Mail Carrier out of the Newport Post Office, where he was called "Coach" by some of his fellow employees due to his many years of coaching youth league baseball in Newport. An avid fly-fisherman and hiker, Ronnie was a member of the "900-Miler Club," which is achieved by hiking all the trails in the Smokies National Park. He hiked all the Appalachian Trail in TN, NC and many other states providing information to other hikers. He was also a noted leader of off-trail hikes, chosen by the Smoky Mountains Hiking (Knox) and Greeneville Hiking Clubs to lead these adventures. Mr. McGaha was preceded in death by his parents, Glade H. McGaha and Sarah Vinson McGaha, as well as infant brother Larry. Ronnie is survived by three children, Grant McGaha of Sevierville, Marlo McGaha of Florida, and Katie McGaha Wilber (Sean) of Cleveland, OH. Ronnie is also survived by one sister, Teresa McGaha Hall (Chris) of Birmingham, AL plus grandchildren Addison McGaha of Newport and Kaya McGaha of Blairsville, GA; nephews Lucas (Brooke) Hall and son Hudson of Lebanon, TN; Caleb Hall of Atlanta, GA; niece Megan Hall Garner (Jake) of Birmingham; and dear friend Michael C. Moore and his family. Mr. McGaha was of the Baptist faith. The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, March 27 from 5pm to 7pm at Manes Funeral Home with services immediately following. Graveside services will be held Thursday morning, March 28 at 10am at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Library Fund, Newport Grammar School, 301 College Street, Newport, TN 37821 or Cosby School, Athletic Department, 3320 Cosby Highway, Cosby, TN 37722. Funeral arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.

Ronnie Daryl McGaha

October 30, 1946 - March 20, 2019