On March 22nd, 1946, Willie James McGhee was born to Willie and Alberta McGhee in Lowndes County, in Alabama. He was known for not doing too much labor, but always taking control and being the boss when his parents were not around. He would boss his oldest niece and nephew, taking a towel and popping everyone saying, “Do what I tell you to do.” He is the youngest of eight, but he always took the role as the eldest, with his “nonchalant” attitude as stated by one of his elder sisters, who also called him an “old preacher man”.
Willie McGhee attended Mount Claire Elementary in Braggs AL and Central High School in Mosses, AL. In 1966, Willie McGhee left Alabama to follow his cousin, the late Pastor, Reverend Gene McGhee of the Bethlehem Church of God in Christ, to New York City. He came to New York to be release, not only from the struggles of life in the south, but also the strict rules and regulations of his parents. When he came to New York, he came with every intention to party and enjoy the high life, but there was a higher calling of purpose for his life. Although he desired to taste the pleasures of the world, God had a greater plan for his future.
Willie McGhee met and married his wife of 40 years, Jannie Pendergrass in Queens, NY in 1969. Willie is blessed with six children, and five grandchildren, they are: Walter, Juliette, her son Dashawn, Sharon, her children Jamie and Philip Jr. (aka “Lion”), Jennifer, her daughter Winter, Germaine, his children; Jailene, Jade and Jordan McGhee and his wife; Tahira McGhee.
Willie J. McGhee retired from the New York Times for over thirty years. He was fortunate to work with his brother-in-law, Willie James Pompey, and later with his nephew, James Pompey. They too can testify to his personage, that he was different and had a special calling on his life. Willie often tells the church that “I serve a God way beyond the fifteenth floor!”
Willie J. McGhee joined the Bethlehem Church of God in Christ in 1967 and became very busy in his walk with Christ. Under the leadership of the former Pastor, Reverend Vernardo, he served as a “faithful” Deacon. He was always the first to arrive at the church and last one to leave. He was ordained by Pastor Gene McGhee to serve as a Minister and has also worked as the Chairman of the Trustee Board for over twenty-nine years. In addition, he served as Sunday School Superintendent for over fifteen years, always singing his favorite selection “Sunday School, Sunday School is Marching On”. In 1999 he was ordained by Bishop Frank Otha White to serve as an Elder of the church.
As an Elder, Willie McGhee had worked diligently with the late, Pastor Gene McGhee. He has been a faithful member, a stable friend, and father of the church. He is always there assuring the safety, health, and success of the church. Elder McGhee has an austere demeanor, but his meekness in deeds shines through. He loves the church deeply; he is rooted and grounded in the word of God and his desire is and will always be to please God!