Thomas Neely Mcgrew Sr

View Funeral Webcast Thomas Neely McGrew, Sr., 91, former Mayor of Columbia, well-known banker, and resident of 7th Avenue, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at NHC Hillview. Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols with John Vaughan and Wendell Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. Visitation with the family will begin Thursday at 4:00 p.m. concluding with Masonic Rites at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 1864, Columbia 38402.Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com. Born and reared in Columbia, he was the son of the late James P. "Pat" McGrew and Virginia Fox McGrew. He attended Andrews Elementary School, was a 1936 graduate of Columbia Central High School and graduate of Bowling Green Business University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II from August 1941 - December 1945. As a young man, he became associated with the Middle Tennessee Bank and served for a number of years as an officer and director. Later he helped establish First Federal Savings and Loan and served as director until his retirement in 1976. Mr. McGrew was active in civic and community affairs for many years, including a term as Mayor of Columbia from January 1958 - January 1962. His numerous memberships included Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19, board of directors of Maury County T. B. & Health Association, chairman of Easter Seals, and President of the Rose Hill Cemetery Association. A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of Columbia Masonic Lodge #31 for over 50 years and a member of the Columbia Shrine Club. He was a long-time member of Graymere Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Pattye Hight McGrew of Columbia; daughter, Pattye (James) Fort of Columbia; son, Thomas Neely (Susan) McGrew of Brentwood; sister, Ann McGrew Hindman of Columbia; grandchildren, Abby McGrew Manning, Molly McGrew, Lacey McGrew, Katherine Fort, and Virginia Fort; nephew, James P. McGrew, Jr. of Columbia. He was preceded in death by a brother, James P. McGrew. Active pallbearers are Randy Stevens, Norman Harris, Jerry Moore, Tim Owens, Jim McGrew, and Ronnie Erwin. Honorary pallbearers include Doug Parrish, Jack White, David Edwards, Jerry Hardison, Robin Jack, Anthony Ratagick, and Jim Fort.