Charles Leo McGilvray

Charles Patrick Leo McGilvray, known affectionately to many as Leo McGilvray, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loving family. A longtime resident of the Groesbeck area in Limestone County, Texas, he most recently called Fair Oaks home.

Monday February 16th, a visitation will be from 5-6pm and a Rosary will be from 6-7 PM at Groesbeck Funeral Home in Groesbeck, Texas, where friends and family will gather to celebrate his life.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Catholic of Mexia with Father Moses and Father Benji celebrating Mass. Rite of Christian burial will follow at Fort Parker Memorial Park in Groesbeck.

Leo was born in Groesbeck, in 1952, to Lawrence Durwood and Piera Bernardi McGilvray. He lived a full life deeply connected to his family, church, community, and the rural Texas way of life. He was a devoted family man, cherished husband to his wife Elizabeth (Liz) McGilvray, and a beloved father, grandfather, and extended family member. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, two daughters and son-in-law, Shelli McGilvray, and Stephanie and Scott Bell. Also, his grandchildren, Olivia and Gianna Knutson, daughters of Shelli. As well as Stephanie’s children, Sydney, Sara, and Sophia Bell, and newlyweds Audrey and Scott Bell Jr. Leo was the 5th born of 10 amazing children and is also survived by his siblings Larry McGilvray, Sarah Kelley, Trisha Ewert, Sharlot Parker, Carolyn Wilhem, Mary Brooks, Michael McGilvray, Lorraine Fussell and all their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Leo has a wide circle of loved ones who always remained very close and will miss his warmth, integrity, and steadfast presence.

Leo was a lifelong member and volunteer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia Texas where he was a 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus member and treasurer. He followed in his beloved Mother’s footsteps in serving however he can there. They were also his family and some of his closest friends. He looked forward to the annual St. Mary’s Church auction every year. They banded together and always put together a great event that helped the church thrive. This event, and all it’s months of preparations each year was tradition and being with this community each Fall gave him so much joy. In his spare time, Leo loved gardening and pretty much anything mechanical. He enjoyed knowing how things worked and being able to make things work again.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lawrence and Piera McGilvray, and sister Paula McKay.

The McGilvray family has long ties to the Groesbeck region, with generations contributing to the area's history and community fabric. Leo embodied the values of hard work, resilience, and quiet strength that helped define his legacy.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 604 N. Bonham St., Mexia, Tx 76667.

Leo will be remembered for the love he shared, the memories he created, and the footprint he leaves in the hearts of those he touched. Rest in peace, Leo. You are deeply loved and will be forever missed.