Embry-Riddle Mourns Loss of Professor Emeritus, Fielding McGehee, Jr.

Prescott, Ariz., June 1, 2009 -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is sad to announce the passing of Professor Emeritus Fielding McGehee who passed away on May 10, 2009 at age 84.

Dr. McGehee was the first physics professor hired and developed the physics department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Az. He was also the first professor on the Prescott campus to have the honor of Professor Emeritus when he retired in 1989. He was an active member in the Prescott community and was known to bring his love of physics and science to local grade schools. He loved teaching, loved science and loved spending his free time-sharing his humor, hospitality, and knowledge with others.

“Fielding McGehee put together many of our first labs with a very limited budget using his ingenuity, surplus parts, string and ceiling wax. His ability to demonstrate basic physics principles with simple household items has become a lost art to many scientists. His presence in our physics and Prescott community will be sorely missed,” said Dr. Darrell Smith, Chair for the Space Physics program.

Fielding Merwin McGehee, Jr., was long time resident of Prescott AZ, died May 10, 2009. Born November 17, 1924 in Natchez, Mississippi to Fielding M. McGehee, Sr. and Clara (Lattie) Reber McGehee. Married to Helen F. Ewell of Charlottesville, VA since 1946.

Dr. McGehee held a BS. and MS. degrees in physics from the University of Alabama, and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Virginia. He worked many years as an operations analyst for the U.S. government and for private industry. He then became a professor, teaching physics at several colleges, including Haile Selassie I University in Ethiopia as well as Prescott College.
Retirement did not end his service as an educator. As a long-term falconer, he developed a popular school program featuring rehabilitated raptors. His "Physics is Phun" program was also popular in schools around Arizona and across the country. For years, he hosted three annual children's events at his home: a summertime mud party, an Easter egg hunt, and a Halloween maze.

He is survived by his wife, four children, numerous grandchildren, beloved in-laws, and many good friends. Widely known for his humor, his smile, and his unfailing courtesy, his epitaph could easily be, "Here lies a gentleman who happens to be a Southerner."

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at AZ Ruffner Wakelin Family Funeral Homes in Prescott, Arizona. In lieu of flowers. donations may be made to Prescott Public Library 215 E. Goodwin St. Prescott, AZ 86305 or to Sharlot Hall Museum 415 E. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301.