Lawrence Dale McGhee

Lawrence Dale McGhee “Dale”, 86, of Martinsville, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina. Dale was born March 30, 1937, in Henry County, Virginia, to the late Roy E. McGhee and Elizabeth Prillaman McGhee. Dale was also preceded in death by two brothers, Roy Eugene McGhee, Jr. and Jack H. McGhee; and a sister, Edith M. Scott.Dale graduated from Bassett High School in 1955. He was a graduate of the University of Richmond and received his Doctorate of Law degree from the T. C. Williams School of Law. Upon his graduation from law school, he returned to Bassett where he practiced law with then Speaker of the House, A. L. Philpott, in the law partnership of Philpott & McGhee. Dale served Henry County as their attorney for many years. He also attended the First Baptist Church in Collinsville and served as a deacon. Dale’s pastor described him as being a valuable resource in regard to legal matters concerning the church. After retiring from his law practice, he embarked on a tour across the country in his motor home with his wife Nancy. They then settled in Zephyrhills, Florida, where he attended Zephyrhills Methodist Church and taught Sunday School and played in the handbell choir for 14 years. Dale loved to travel and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. He later returned to Henry County and again became active in his home church, teaching the senior adult class. He was an avid tennis player, a devoted father and friend to many.Dale is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy Brown McGhee, of the home; two daughters, Pam M. Brewer (Wayne) of Charlestown, Indiana, and Paige M. Hardie of Summerfield, North Carolina; son, Lawrence Dale McGhee, Jr. (Maureen) of Durham, North Carolina; step-son, John Patrick Nance (Cheryl) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Collinsville, 3339 Virginia Avenue, Collinsville, VA, where a Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Larry Cheek will be officiating.Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net