Charleston Gazette-Mail editorial
There are two types of philanthropists: those who give their wealth to faraway recipients, such as Ivy League universities, and those who make their home communities better.
The late Gazette publisher, W.E. “Ned” Chilton III, advocated the latter. He helped launch the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, to ensure that local wealth remains at home, helping the capital city region instead of being sent elsewhere.
Although
didn’t come to Charleston until 1967, he adopted the Kanawha Valley eagerly and became a major local benefactor who improved his new hometown.
The death of the retired Daily Mail publisher leaves a sad void in the community.
McGee was born in South Carolina and served as a U.S. Army captain in World War II. He was in the Normandy landing. He received two Purple Hearts and three Bronze Stars. Two decades later, he became part owner of the Daily Mail and began his role as a Charleston civic leader.
In 2003, he was honored with the YMCA’s Spirit of the Valley award.
Charleston is a better place for its half-century relationship with John McGee.
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