Warren Randolph Mcgarvey Sr.

WARREN RANDOLPH MCGARVEY, SR.

NOVEMBER 26, 1947 - NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Warren Randolph McGarvey, Sr., known as "Randy" or "Coach McGarvey", passed away November 4th, 2024, surrounded by family. Randy was born on November 26th, 1947, in Savannah, Georgia, where he spent most of his younger years. He met his late wife, Janet, whom he happily married and spent nearly 47 years with.

Randy attended the University of Maryland, where he played baseball before getting an opportunity to play professionally with the Washington Senators in 1969. He loved to be part of all the action, so it was fitting that his position was catching. Unfortunately, his career came to an end before it really started due to an injury. McGarvey was not discouraged easily and continued to excel on the baseball field, except now he found himself on the dark side.....an UMPIRE. He became one of the top NCAA D-ll umpires and was part of the 1986 College World Series in Alabama. Randy moved to Hilton Head Island in the early 1980s with his wife, step-son, Larry, and son Randy Jr, where he was involved with the Dixie Youth Baseball program. He eventually became the Commissioner of Dixie Youth Baseball, where he and others saw the program grow to around a thousand kids and ranked as one of the premier youth sports programs in the state. Many players, parents, and fans have fond memories of his boisterous voice calling out "strikes" at Barker Field when he was not coaching.

McGarvey loved the game of baseball but loved the youth and his players so much more. He was a stern, hard-nosed coach but fair with a big heart. He coached players of all ages, from t-ball to high school, with all di?erent types of skill sets. McGarvey was very involved in the Hilton Head and Lowcountry community, known by many as "Mr. Baseball." Coach McGarvey was recognized for many achievements throughout his life and joined an elite group when he was honored as the Grand Marshal in 1998.

Randy spent much of his latter years with family and following his son's college and professional career as he dealt with many arising health issues. He always led by example and wanted "bulldog, go through a wall" types of players. Toward the end of his life, he was that player and fought a number of illnesses and ailments that caused him to be away from the place he loved the most.....the baseball diamond.

Randy McGarvey, Sr. is preceded in death by his wife, Janet Tomlin McGarvey, parents, Warren William McGarvey and Virginia Benton, and his sister, Emily Patricia McGarvey Tiedemann. He is survived by his son, Randy McGarvey, Jr(Danielle); step-son, Larry Barnwell(Sue); his three brothers, George McGarvey, Mark McGarvey, and Billy McGarvey; his grandchildren, Rylan Catcher McGarvey, Lela Nicole McGarvey, Sarah Barnwell, Abbey Barnwell, Luke Barnwell, and Olivia Barnwell.

A Service and Celebration of Life will be held on the grounds of Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, SC on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 1:00 pm.

Please join the family as we gather to honor Coach Randy McGarvey one last time by sharing fond memories with one another.  We will be providing baseball style refreshments and encourage everyone to hang around while we reminiscence and share stories.  Seating will be limited so bring an outdoor chair and dress casually if you prefer.

Pastor Stuart Guthrie officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to go to the Hilton Head Baseball Association for underprivileged children in assisting with fees, equipment, cleats, etc. You can donate by sending a check or Venmo with memo: “Coach Mac.”

Venmo: Hilton Head Baseball Association @HiltonHead-BaseballAssociation

CHECKS: HHBA, PO Box 7481, HHI, SC 29938