Tim McGraw Mourns the Death of His “Family Patriarch,” Promises to Keep Their “Memory Alive”

Tim McGraw was born in Delhi, Louisiana, as the only child of Betty D’Agostino and Tug McGraw, a relief pitcher in the MLB from 1965 to 1984. Tug has a pair of World Series wins under his belt—with the New York Mets in 1969 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980. He is a member of the New York Mets Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. When Tug died in 2004, his older brother Hank became the McGraw family patriarch. Now the “Live Like You Were Dyin’” singer is mourning another loss.

“We Will Keep His Memories Alive:” Tim McGraw Remembers His Uncle

Henry Thomas “Hank” McGraw passed away over the weekend due to unknown causes. On Wednesday (July 10), his nephew, country star Tim McGraw, penned a lengthy tribute to Hank on his official Instagram page.

“This weekend we lost the patriarch of the McGraw family. Our beloved ‘Uncle Hank,’” wrote the 11-time CMA Award winner. “He was just an incredible man. He had a way of lighting up any room he walked into without trying.”

The country star went on to describe his uncle as “a no-bs, straight shooter” who prioritized honesty, “even if it hurt.”

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“Aw man, and he told the best stories!” added Tim McGraw. “He was and continues to be a huge presence in the lives of our family and his friends…We will keep his memories alive!!”

Hank McGraw Urged The Mets To Sign His Younger Brother

The older brother of Frank Edwin “Tug” McGraw, Hank McGraw was “a true renaissance man,” wrote his nephew. Indeed, Hank is arguably responsible for his younger brother’s major league success. In 1961, he signed with the New York Mets, but threatened to quit if the team didn’t also sign Tug. In his Instagram post, the “Don’t Take the Girl” singer included a photo of Hank McGraw sporting his Mets uniform.

Hank McGraw was a colorful character, described by his brother as “a mythical figure.”

“He was All-Everything when I was a kid, and all I ever wanted was to be part of his world,” Tug McGraw told Sports Illustrated in 2002. “Even after I’d made a name in the big leagues, Hank would appear in the clubhouse, and it was like Jesus showing up. He’s risen! He’s returned! The rest of us had become what we’d had to become to be major leaguers. Not Hank. He wouldn’t compromise who he was or what he believed. He wouldn’t cut his hair.”

Featured image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ABA