William Alfred Mcguire

Velma - William Alfred "Bill" McGuire, 89, entered his heavenly home on March 1, 2016 at his home in Velma. He was born June 20, 1926 in Kellyville, Creek County, Ok, to the late James Clarence McGuire and Mrs. Ruby Faye (Campbell) McGuire. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Funeral Home of Ratliff City.

Funeral Services are scheduled at the First Baptist Church of Velma on 3:00 pm Friday, March 4, 2016 with the Rev. Roger Sims officiating and Rev. Jeremy Higle assisting. Interment will follow at the New Velma Cemetery.

Bill was born during the depression , having only an eight grade education. He had to quit school to work in the fields to help support his family. In 1944 he and his brother decided to enter the United States Armed Forces Naval division and things didn't work out quite the way they planned. While the Navy accepted his brother, Bill joined the Army. Bill was a veteran of World War II, and had seen action in the Netherlands, France, Italy and Germany. He served in the 135th Infantry and was honorably discharged in 1946. While in the Army, he married Melba Jean Byford of Comanche in 1944. This union was blessed with 3 daughters, Bille Jean, Donna Faye and Debra Kay. After receiving his honorable discharge from the Army in 1946, he went to work in the Oilfield, but always said "it was just until I can find a better job." He was employed in the Oil Patch for a total of 64 years. He started working for Amerada and was with them for 24 years. He then owned and operated Bills Drive Inn Café on east main in Duncan for several years. He continued as a contract pumper in the Velma area for almost 33 more years. He finally convinced to consider retiring at the age of 84, although he never really did.

In 1977 he married Mary Beth (Layn) Young. She had two sons from a previous marriage , Brant and Jason, and Bill helped raise them as his very own. Bill always enjoyed the outdoors and raising his gamefowl and goats. He was loved by everyone that became a friend of his, and never had a bad word to say about anyone.

He and Mary Beth enjoyed 39 years of a wonderful relationship. He was the love of her life, and she has been the love of his life. In the latter part of 1977 they bought and operated the Tee-Pee Totem grocery store in Velma. To this marriage twin boys were born, Andy and Alan. Bill was so happy; he had never had a son, and now God blessed him with two! What a challenge , now he was raising 4 boys. He did enjoy attending many school activities with his boys in later years.

Preceding him in death were his Parents; 2 sisters, Mary Elizabeth Bridges and Clarene McGuire and his brother, Donald McGuire;

Survivors include his wife Mary Beth of the home; sons, Alan McGuire and wife Michelle of Ardmore, Andy McGuire and wife Holly of Velma, Jason Young and wife Shannon of Yukon, and Brant Young of Lexington, daughters, Billie Jean (McGuire) Murdock and husband Chuck of Marlow, Donna Faye (McGuire) Griggs of Duncan, Debbie Kay (McGuire) Aldridge and husband Bill of Yukon; grandchildren, Mickey Murdock of Owasso, Billy Charles Griggs of New Mexico, Kimberli Suttles and husband Eric of McAlester, Kaitlyn Pollard and Sarah McGuire of Ardmore, Andrew McGuire, Jake McGuire, Savannah McGuire, Kennedy McGuire, Olivia McGuire and Daylee Hall, all of Velma, Blake Giles of Yukon; great grandchildren, Max, Charlie, and Brody Murdock of Owasso, KaitLyn Griggs, Cade Griggs and wife Mackenzie of Ada, and Preston and Kaylee Suttles of McAlester; 1 great grandchild, Liam Griggs of Ada.

Casket Bearers are Alan McGuire, Andy McGuire, Jason Young, Mickey Murdock, Andrew McGuire, Jake McGuire and Blake Giles.

Honorary Bearers are Doyle Hammersly, Doug Briscoe, Raymond Rice and Chace Brooksher.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to the First Baptist Church of Velma Building Fund, PO Box 249, Velma, OK 73491.

Family visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Thursday evening at Alexander Funeral Home of Ratliff City.

Condolences may be shared online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org