Dr. James Gray McGhee

Dr. James Gray McGhee, 91, of Thomasville, died peacefully and was received into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at River Landing at Sandy Ridge surrounded by his loving family.

Jim, as he was known, was born in Rock Hill, SC on December 5, 1934 to James Lemuel McGhee and Donna Lou Lynn McGhee. His parents moved to Durham, NC when Jim was young where he enjoyed a memorable childhood. He often spoke of time on the area farm with his grandparents and developed a love for all of creation. With a sharp intellect and desire to become a dentist, he excelled at UNC-Chapel Hill as an undergraduate as well as a dental student at the UNC School of Dentistry where he graduated with honors and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), dentistry’s most esteemed honor society. Jim served for two years in the United States Air Force at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts where he honed his craft of excellence in dentistry.

Settling in Thomasville Jim took pride in building a thriving practice where he garnered many accolades, including the Academy of General Dentistry’s prestigious Fellowship Award. To better serve his patients, he pursued the rigorous course for accreditation in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and was one of five dentists in North Carolina to originally achieve this standard. His passion for developing special relationships with patients and staff brought lasting joy to those in his midst, whether in the office or in the community.

As a past president of the Thomasville Rotary Club and a dedicated teacher of the R.L. Pope Bible Class at Memorial United Methodist Church, Jim interacted with people throughout the area. He enjoyed traveling, fishing off his beloved dock at Oak Island, entertaining and concocting specialty drinks for friends and family behind a custom bar in his home.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his eldest son, James Gray McGhee, Jr. in 1998.

Surviving are his wife of almost 44 years, Sandra “Sandy” Lester McGhee of Thomasville; sons, Russell Franklin McGhee of Austin, TX; Christopher Lee McGhee (Rebecca) of Thomasville; Michael Patrick McGhee (Gabrielle) of Virginia Beach, VA; stepson, Anthony Edward Mardis; grandchildren, Alyssa Putrino, Jackson Mardis, Gray McGhee, Marah McGhee, Alec Mardis, Ian Mardis; cherished family members, Stephanie Mardis, Sandra Mardis, Brett Bambalis; and special friends, Wanda Cox and Tracy Brinkley. Jim cultivated an atmosphere in his office where lasting friendships among the staff remain. Thank you to the “OG” (Original Girls) family: Barbara, Sarah, Renee, Kristie, Beth, Alice, and Angi.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Jarrett Hall at Memorial United Methodist Church in Thomasville with Rev. Danny Leonard presiding. Burial will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends during a visitation on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 5 - 7p.m. at J.C. Green and Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Memorial United Methodist Church or to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (unclineberger.org), one of Jim’s favorite charities. J.C. Green and Sons will serve the family for their particular needs.

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