Lauren C. McGill

Lauren C. McGill, 87, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on September 22, 2026. He was born September 28, 1938 in Wapello, Iowa.

Lauren began his remarkable 50-year career with Publix as a bag boy. Through hard work, dedication, and determination, he worked his way up through the company, becoming a store manager before moving to the Publix corporate office, where he ultimately achieved the position of Director of Purchasing. His career with Publix was a source of great pride throughout his life.

Lauren also had a deep commitment to his faith and served as Pastor of New Beginnings. His faith was an important part of his life and something he shared with those around him.

Lauren found great joy in the simple things in life. He loved being outdoors and had a special appreciation for nature, whether bird watching, working in his yard and vegetable garden, or feeding the squirrels and ducks that visited his backyard. He enjoyed collecting Coca-Cola and Publix memorabilia and was a longtime Disney enthusiast who loved visiting the parks. Above all, Lauren treasured spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cloyd and Nadine McGill; his brother, Frank McGill (Linda); and sister, Nancy White (Mike).

Lauren is survived by his wife, Yvonne McGill of Lakeland; daughters, Torea Long (Ed) of Palm Coast and Tammy Tidmore (Jim) of Winter Haven; brother Mike McGill (Rachael) of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Audrey Gardner (Chris), Sara Ellis (Ryan), Lauren Tidmore, Courtney Kahler (Scott), and James Tidmore IV (Erin); and great-grandchildren, Hazel Gardner, Harrison Gardner, Olive Ellis, Sunny Tidmore, Piper Tidmore, Lochlan Kahler, and Wally Tidmore.

To his family, Lauren was lovingly known as "Pops." He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his devotion to his family, his faith, his strong work ethic, his love of nature, and the example he set for the generations who follow him.

Family will receive friends Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Interment will be held at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com