Julian McGill Obituary

Julian Edward McGill MT. PLEASANT - Julian Edward McGill, also known affectionately as OM (old man) and GranDee, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on December 21, 2023. Born October 22, 1932 on a dairy farm near Smyrna, SC, Julian was a friend to all who knew him. After earning a Bachelor's degree from Erskine College and serving in the U.S. Navy, Julian attended Clemson University and was awarded a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. He was also awarded a loving family who continue to tell fond stories of the close-quarters experienced by any families who lived in the now defunct married student housing at Clemson. In 1970, he made the last move of his life to Mount Pleasant, SC. He worked as a professor in the College of Pharmacy at the Medical University of South Carolina for 27 years. He continued to teach at the College of Charleston even after his retirement and was able to present degrees from the College to two of his four grandchildren. His love of science, especially chemistry, was present throughout his life as he conducted "magic shows' and demonstrations at his grandchildren's schools and throughout the Lowcountry. Julian was also an active member of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church for 53 years. In that time, he served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School teacher, Stephen's Minister, and most importantly, Vacation Bible School crossing guard. He considered it his duty to ensure each child who used the crosswalk received a smile and a high-five. While Julian enjoyed traveling and serving his community, he was happiest staying in touch with the roots of his farm upbringing. He maintained a garden for the majority of his life - producing Coastal Carolina blue-ribbon winning green beans with his grandson and coordinating yearly potato digs witt grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and neighborhood children alike. He believed in the power of education, as evidenced through his own life's trajectory and founded an Endowed Scholarship Fund for deserving College of Pharmacy Students. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann McCarter McGill, daughter, Elizabeth McGill Hills, son, Douglas Edward McGill, son-in-law, Waring W Hills, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his brother, James Howard McGill (Lady Margaret), and many beloved granddogs. A man of quiet faith, Julian's peaceful, intelligent, humorous nature and kind, gentle spirit will be missed but remembered by his family each time something is planted, a bowl of popcorn is popped, a churn of homemade ice cream is shared, or a great deal on a new purchase is made. A Memorial Celebration of a life well lived will be held on Thursday, January 11th at 6:00 pm at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church with a reception and visitation to follow. Please come as you are and feel free to wear a little color as we celebrate this beloved man. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Julian and Ann McGill Scholarship Fund through the MUSC Foundation (18 Bee St., Charleston, SC 29425) or the Endowment Fund at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church (302 Hibben St., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464).