Alan McGee

E. Alan McGee--Renowned photographer, passed away peacefully at 5:09 in the morning on October 9, 2025 at his home in Milledgeville, GA.. Linda, his wife, told him, "It is time to go Fly Like an Eagle". She softly added, "Go be with your dad (Earl) and your brother (Bob)". About 30 milliseconds later, he took her up on her offer! He died peacefully with his family holding his hands. Although we will miss him immeasurably, Linda, Matt, and the rest of the family couldn't have asked for much more. He has sent us undeniable signs that he is OK in the last few days since his final flight! May peace be with him! Alan was born on July 6, 1948 in North Olmsted, Ohio. He is the oldest of 3 children, including: his brother- Robet Paul McGee and sister- Marilyn McGee Gray. Alan is survived by his loving wife Linda George McGee, and devoted son Matthew Alan McGee. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn McGee Gray mother of Janet Gray Coonce and Christopher James Gray. Alan is preceded in death by his Father Earl Abel McGee, his Mother Eleanor Pearl Passig McGee and his brother Robert Paul McGee. Upon graduation from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. degree in photography. In 1971, Alan proudly married his wife of 54 years-- Linda George McGee inside the beautiful Norton Chapel at Keuka College in Keuka,New York. Following a 2 year employment with Jerome Drown Photography in Atlanta, Alan wrestled with the dream of working for himself; he formed his own photography business and private photo lab specializing in architectural photography - E.Alan McGee Photography, Inc. He and Linda worked side by side along with many outstanding employees for 25 years. With home base in Atlanta, Alan was commissioned to travel all over the U.S. and abroad photographing interiors and exteriors and architectural products. HIs clients included a wide range of small-time clients that needed photos to major corporations, architects, interior designers, real estate developers, architectural product manufacturers and advertising agencies.. A few of his clients included, Better Homes and Gardens, Interior Design Magazine, Coca-Cola, C.W. Matthews, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Fox Theater, Ritz Carlton Hotels and hundreds of other recognizable companies. His photos even brought Dale Chihuly's garden glass exhibit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in 2004, where a collection of his glass art is still permanently on display. E. Alan McGee was better known as Alan McGee. Clients used to ask him what the "E" stood for? He would mischievously smile and tell them, "Expensive!". He was a "behind the scenes" kind of guy who enjoyed making things happen. Alan is one of the first photographers in the country to specialize in architectural photography. He was a lifelong member of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP). He worked with ASMP to change U.S. copyright laws as they pertained to photographers. As a pioneer of aerial panoramic photography, he would take 360 degree aerial panoramas with a gyroscopic Roundshot camera. He flew in helicopters, standing on the skids with his camera fastened beneath. He also climbed the rooftops of buildings to capture his breathtaking photographs. He shot photos on top of more commercial building rooftops in Atlanta than anyone else, before or after him. His panoramic photography long preceded aerial drone photography. In 1995, Alan was badly injured in a helicopter crash in Birmingham, Alabama while on photo assignment..The doctors said he would never walk again -- he showed them how for 30 more years! Yes, his injury complicated the last half of his life, but he prevailed as one of the toughest men that his friends and family ever knew, REALLY! Thanks, Shepherd Spinal Center- from one of your oldest patients! Alan was an Eagle Scout and Scout Master. A lot of the foundation of his photography came from the ability to tie knots because he was an Eagle Scout. It afforded him opportunities to use harnesses at work, hang out of helicopters and whatever else he could imagine and/or manage to do to get "The Shot". He couldn't walk well at all, so he was known for riding his Segway around his neighborhood in Atlanta and later on in downtown Milledgeville, GA. He was a founding member of the (now very popular) First Friday Celebration held here in Milledgeville. Alan was a member of the Ocmulgee Blacksmith Guild with his son, Matt and family for 15+ years. He loved forging custom ironwork and live-edge woodworking projects with his son, Matt. He enjoyed photographing them almost as much. He also loved creating photographs for Matt's art portfolio featuring blacksmithed metalwork and blown glass. The McGee's are known for making timeless things. In 1954, his family uprooted from near Cleveland, Ohio and moved (ironically) to Cleveland, Tennessee where his Dad began working for Dixie Products (now the Magic Chef Corporation) as their chief gas engineer. Earl Sr. engineered a stamped, two-part steel burner making the iron foundry there obsolete- there was no longer the need for cast iron burner parts! Hot steel has been part of our family's blood for 85 + years. Alan didn't speak much for the last 4 years of his life, but on August 30th, 2025 (a day we will never forget), Matt offered him lime Gatorade (his favorite). Out of nowhere he said, "I think I can be enrolled into the taste of the Gatorade!". He never ceased to amaze us- the man of many miracles. He was very appreciative of anyone involved in Life Flight and other medical helicopter and EMS patient services. He was injured in a helicopter, only to have them save his life somewhere around 8 times thereafter! He gave countless hours of help to our Veterans here in Milledgeville too! He loved them all, THANKS!!

Alan McGee

July 6, 1948 - October 9, 2025