Michael Lawrence McGaha

Michael Lawrence McGaha, 59, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Michael was born on November 27, 1966, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Jimmy Ray McGaha and Eleanor Claire (Mulroney) McGaha.

Professionally, while living in New Jersey, Michael worked in the Pharmaceutical industry for companies like Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) with their “Compliance” group within Research and Development. He then worked for Adventis Pharmaceuticals which was created from a merger of then Hoechst Pharmaceutical in a special project area that integrated the data information systems. Mike moved to Texas for a while and worked for Dell Computer Company in Austin. Most recently, he served as the Chief Designer at Dream Custom Homes, where he was able to apply his skills and his creativity to his work.

Outside of work, Michael was very humorous, extremely thoughtful, loving, kind, and deeply committed to his family.  Michael was our historian, with an incredible ability to reminisce about family history and other matters., capturing even the smallest distinct  of details.  Having traveled Europe and the U.S., Michael loved cars and the Autobahn.  He published writings and excelled in interior design, and had an eye for collectible clocks.  Michael adored his beloved dogs, the late Phinneas ("Phinny") and his surviving companion, Margaret Thatcher ("Maggie").

In his final act of kindness, Michael gave the gift of life through organ donation.

Michael is survived by his mother, Eleanor Claire Martin, and her life partner, William Riley; his brothers, Scott McGaha (Mary Elizabeth) and Paul McGaha (Cynthia); and their children. He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Ray McGaha.

A private service was held by the family January 4, 2026, at Downing Funeral Home in Spring Hill, Florida to honor Michael’s life.

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