RIP Greg McIlvain

[HejiraHenry]

Some of you on here knew Greg, who previously worked in Valdosta and Chattanooga.

Greg died last week here in Tupelo, Miss. He was 49.

He was a sweet guy, and the last phone conversation I had with him was Greg apologizing for "letting you down" when he couldn't get in last Monday when he was feeling bad.

Greg never, ever let us down.

I thought you guys might like to know about this.

 

[albert77]

Wasn't Greg the sports editor in Corinth many, many moons ago? Or am I thinking of someone else? Regardless, tough to lose someone like that at the relatively young age of 49. Condolences.

 

[HejiraHenry]

Wasn't Greg the sports editor in Corinth many, many moons ago? Or am I thinking of someone else? Regardless, tough to lose someone like that at the relatively young age of 49. Condolences.

You may be thinking of my old boss who's now in Florence, a fine golfer (and SJ poster) with a similar first name.

 

[Peytons place]

Sorry about this news. My condolences go out to all Greg's friends, family and colleagues.

 

[BYH]

Was he ill? The name sounds familiar and it feels like there was a thread about him somewhat recently.

Sorry to you and your staff, HH.

 

[HejiraHenry]

Was he ill? The name sounds familiar and it feels like there was a thread about him somewhat recently.

Sorry to you and your staff, HH.

Yeah, he was sick in Aug. 2008 and we talked about him here. Good recall.

Thanks to all for the nice thoughts. Keep his mother in your thoughts and prayers, too.

 

[Highway 101]

Thank you, Greg.

Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you........................................................................

 

[bigbadeagle]

Having worked with Greg, I cannot possibly put my sadness at this moment into words.
From where he is now, Memphis never loses.
Peace be with his soul and his family.

 

[MileHigh]

My heart skipped for just a second because I worked with -- and am friends with -- Greg McElvain out here.

I did not know this Greg, but sounds like a solid journalist. RIP.

 

[Wes Rucker]

Oh God, that's terrible. So young.

I knew he had some health problems, but 49? Jesus.

RIP to a friend, former co-worker and one hell of a good guy.

 

[Faithless]

Greg was a great guy to work with. I always enjoyed our conversations about Memphis sports.

 

[HejiraHenry]

From where he is now, Memphis never loses.

I gotta write something about him for the paper. i suspect I'll quote that line. Nice.

 

[chilidog75]

Terrible news. He was a good guy. Truly.

 

[Colton]

Sounds like quite a guy. RIP, Greg.

 

[BYH]

From where he is now, Memphis never loses.

I gotta write something about him for the paper. i suspect I'll quote that line. Nice.

I found your anecdote about him calling in and feeling as if he was letting you down--and your reaction "Greg never, ever let us down."--quite moving. Not that you need my advice here, but I think that'd be a perfect thing to mention in a column.

 

[Big Circus]

From where he is now, Memphis never loses.

I gotta write something about him for the paper. i suspect I'll quote that line. Nice.

I found your anecdote about him calling in and feeling as if he was letting you down--and your reaction "Greg never, ever let us down."--quite moving. Not that you need my advice here, but I think that'd be a perfect thing to mention in a column.

Seconded.

 

[fishhack2009]

From where he is now, Memphis never loses.

I gotta write something about him for the paper. i suspect I'll quote that line. Nice.

I found your anecdote about him calling in and feeling as if he was letting you down--and your reaction "Greg never, ever let us down."--quite moving. Not that you need my advice here, but I think that'd be a perfect thing to mention in a column.

Seconded.

Thirded.

RIP to someone who sounds like a great boss.

 

[shortstop]

I am so sad to hear this. Like all of his friends in the newspaper business, I had hoped that Greg would overcome his health problems, and that we'd have him for many more years. At the same time, I am so glad that I was able to work with him and knew him as well as I did.
Greg was my sports editor for three years in Valdosta, and those were the three most enjoyable years of my career in this business. We had a blast, and I learned so much from him. He treated his staff tremendously well, worked his tail off (he regularly worked 70-hour weeks, with no days off) and in my opinion, we put out some great sports sections. He was also a great friend, the kind that would do almost anything for you.
All of the positive things that have been said about him here are right on the money. Good guy? Absolutely. Good journalist and desk guy? Without a doubt. HejiraHenry said, "Greg never, ever let us down." He never let us down in Valdosta, either.
And yes, Greg has absolutely gone to a better place, where Memphis basketball - both the Tigers and the Grizzlies - never loses.
Rest In Peace, Big Greg. We will miss you. But those of us who knew you will always cherish the time we had with you.

 

[HejiraHenry]

Well said.

 

[Wes Rucker]

My favorite memories of Greg are listening to his Valdosta State rants and jokingly interrupting him with, "Oh, come on, Gregger, it's just Division 2 football..."

His face would get so red. It was always funny.