John R. Mcgrath

John Roland “Muggs” McGrath, 78, of Williamsville passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at his home.

Muggs was born November 3, 1941 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the son of J. Eugene and Gertrude Quisenberry McGrath.  He moved with his family to Williamsville in his youth and attended Williamsville Schools until (as Muggs put it) they asked him to leave when he was 16.  He worked on the family farm and later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in California and Germany before he returned to farming.  He was previously married to Nancy (Brooks) McGrath for 31 years.  He lived most of his life on his family’s Centennial Farm in Williamsville.

Those who knew Muggs would describe him as a character.  He had a jovial personality and liked to tell jokes and play tricks on others.  He also liked to attend sales where he could find a bargain that needed to be fixed.  Tinkering with machinery was how he spent his free time when he wasn’t shooting the breeze at the coffee shop or his favorite watering hole.  He did have a serious side and used that to help others in need and contributed to many different charities.

Muggs was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Curtis McGrath; and siblings Dorothy Hayes, Joseph E. McGrath, Jr., Nancy Casebier, and Cynthia Delaney.  He is survived by a son, Kevin McGrath of Sherman; two daughters, Steph McGrath of Springfield and Marinda Riggins of Bloomington; three granddaughters, Karli (Lukas) Jachino of Taylorville, Mary McGrath of Springfield, and Corinne Cvelbar of Bloomington; a brother, Darrell McGrath of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.  A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 am Wednesday, September 23, 2020, with Reverend George Philip Nellikunnel officiating.  Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Williamsville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Disabled American Veterans.