Carol Ray Mcguire

Funeral service: 2 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins Funeral Chapel. Burial: Olive Branch Cemetery. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Rev. Forrest Gibbs will officiate.

Carol Ray McGuire was born on July 27, 1939, the first born son of Brady and Hazel McGuire in Chico. Carol grew up on the family land known as the Olive Branch Farm. He played or worked on every square foot of the land and loved the rich family heritage. Even though his love of aviation took him away from this land, he yearned to return. About 1972, he began bringing his wife, Barbara and young daughters...Amanda and Miranda for long weekends and holidays. Friends and family joined him for picnics on the creek, Easter egg hunts and campfire meals of hotdogs and smores. Everyone got older and moved further away. However, gatherings of family and friends on the Olive Branch Farm continued with similar activities and the creation of warm memories. Carol loved these times.

Carol had a dream when he was growing up. His Great Uncle Pink H. Stone had served in the US Marine Corp, retiring about 1913. His Uncle John Mathews had also served in the Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. Carol stayed in contact with Uncle Pink and Uncle John and made a decision to be a Marine. To accomplish this goal, he attended Kilgore Junior College and Sam Houston State University. In May of 1961, Hazel and Brady McGuire proudly pinned Second Lieutenant Bars on the shoulders of their son Carol. From Texas Uncle Sam sent Carol to Quantico, VA, Pensacola, FL, Kingsville, TX, Cherry Point, NC, Vietnam and to El Toro, CA where he honorably completed his service to the Country he loved.

Carol was a pilot and loved soaring through the skies. In the Marine Corp, he flew A4s with VMA 225, a group that continues to meet annually. With seventeen years with Braniff International, he flew the Electra, 727s, 747s and the Concorde. With Piedmont Airlines, he flew 727s, the Fokker. He completed his flying career with US Airways flying 737s. At the age of 51, Carol was forced to lay aside his passion of flying because of Parkinson's disease.

God had a plan for Carol...and it seemed to be to help others deal with their own various kinds of Chronic Illnesses. He facilitated a support group for the kindred souls. His motto was "I have Parkinson's but Parkinson's does not have me". He touched the hearts of others as he struggled to walk and to continue with activities he loved. Strangers with angles' wings would emerge from the crowds to pick Carol up and set him on his feet one more time to go again and again. He taught us all to keep "hoping and coping".

On April 6, 2009, there were no earthly angels near by to pick Carol up when he fell on his beloved Olive Branch Farm. However, there is no doubt that he is now soaring with the angels of heaven and practicing his stalls.

Written with love for Carol by Barbara King McGuire, his proud wife of 45 years. April 7, 2009

Those left behind to cherish his memory are: his wife Barbara King McGuire of Chico; daughters, Amanda Jones and husband Lewis of Joplin, Missouri, Miranda Lee Owens and husband Rik of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren, Paula, Rachel, and Maryella; brother, Jerry McGuire of Chico; nephews, Ronnie and Tommy McGuire; Nieces, Angie Eudy and Derinda Hopkins; and numerous friends. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Hawkins Funeral Home Bridgeport, 940-683-2211

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I was so saddened to learn about Carol. He was the epitome of a perfect gentleman in every respect. I remember him as one that everyone admired and loved. He was most professional in his dealings with every person that he came in contact with. First, he was indeed a Christian and a committed family man. He love his family very much and cherished everything about them. He loved his advocation also and was a professional in everything that he did. He had many friends and I'm sure no enemies. I was blessed to have known him and to have called him my friend. Especially, the people at Braniff loved Carol and appreciated him. He was indeed a special person in our lives.

Piper William

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My heart is heavy hearing of Carol's passing. I've known him for many years and we shared some of life's tougher times. I respected him greatly for the way that he flew and as an instructor. He was always a considerate friend and a gentleman. He was a role model not only in aviation and in his family but also with the difficult medical challenges with which he had to cope. We will greatly miss him and I know he was a strong beliver. I am confident in where he is. Our love and prayers to Barbara and the rest of the family. Bill & Treva Seals

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Barbara I was saddened to here of Carol