Paul Douglas McGarry

Paul Douglas McGarry, 65, of Bluffton, S.C. died on December 17, 2021 surrounded by his family.

Paul was born in Columbus, O.H. on February 8, 1956 to Robert Samuel McGarry and Marilyn Burns McGarry. As the proud son of a member of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Paul moved all around the world growing up. He attended high school at Phillips Academy-Andover in Andover, Mass. and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a Morehead Scholar.

Upon graduation from UNC, Paul began what would be a long career in computer technology working with IBM in N.C.  In 1989, he co-founded Informed Beverage Management, Inc. which provided software to support beverage companies. He sold IBMI in 2003 but continued working as a consultant until retiring in 2006.

As a young man, Paul was a competitive athlete. He was a star wrestler in high school winning the state championship in his weight class. He played JV lacrosse and club rugby at UNC. As an adult, Paul loved playing tennis and squash. He was also an amateur power forward and professional screen setter in his beloved Thursday/Saturday morning basketball game at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. He even managed to convince his teenage boys to join with the promise of bagels at home afterward; his sons still play today.

Maybe even more than playing sports himself, Paul loved watching his children in their athletic endeavors. He never missed a game and always had high praise and insightful suggestions like “Play taller!” or “Hit it between first and third!”.

Paul quietly devoted his time to many deserving causes. He served on the boards of the Dowd YMCA and Girls on the Run in Charlotte, N.C. He also volunteered for years with Hospice and most recently at the South Carolina Department of Prisons Allendale Correctional Institute.  Unofficially, Paul was quick to help those in need, like the time he helped a friend who was embarrassed by his smile get dentures or helped others get on their feet after release from prison.

Those fortunate enough to know Paul personally will remember his humor and intelligence. Friends are quick to remark on having fascinating conversations with Paul late into the night (well past his 8:30pm bedtime). Whether it was discussing current events or advising friends who were building businesses, he always had a unique perspective to share. His quick wit and seemingly endless store of puns elicited belly-laughs and sore cheeks from his friends (along with groans and eye-rolls from his adoring children).

Paul is survived by his wife Susan, his sister Melanie McKennett (Bob) of Dover, D.E., his daughter Wynne McGarry Speir (Tom) of Birmingham, A.L., his sons Burns McGarry (Amy) and McLean McGarry (Whitney) of Charlotte, N.C., and his six grandchildren: Everett Speir, Thomas Speir, Abbott McGarry, Jack McGarry, Walker Speir and Bonnie McGarry.

Memorials may be made to Girls on the Run International PO Box 30667 PMB 65493 Charlotte, NC 28230-0667 or www.girlsontherun.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Douglas McGarry, please visit our floral store.