Billie June McGuire

Billie June McGuire, 94, of Fort Smith went peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Friday, August 25, 2017. Born June 20, 1923 in Herrin, Illinois, she was the only child of John and Afton Keck. She graduated from Herrin High School in 1941 and was married to Earl James "Mac" McGuire of Chester, Illinois on May 23, 1942 in St. Louis, MO. She was a devoted wife, loving mother to four sons, doting grandmother and proud great-grandmother. Known for her spunk and style, she will be remembered for her infectious laugh, sense of humor, and love of animals. She enjoyed family gatherings with good food and storytelling, and never missed the chance to say, “I love you” upon parting. Billie was a staunch Republican and a former volunteer at the polls during elections. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Throughout her husband's career, there were frequent relocations. Billie accepted these as a challenge and endeavored to make each new city become her family's hometown. She prized her roles of motherhood and homemaker, and her love for her children was always first in her heart, even in their adulthood.

In 1966, the family moved to Fort Smith from Pittsburgh, PA bringing their love of the Steeler Nation with them. This "fan-tensity" prevails in each following generation as their obsession with the Black and Gold grows with every "Here we go, Steelers, here we go!"

Living in Arkansas, Billie also adopted the Razorbacks, becoming a true fan of any sport the Hogs played. She especially loved calling the Hogs, wearing Razorback red, and was an avid "armchair official" of football and basketball.

Among Billie and Mac's earliest friends in Fort Smith were Emmy and Al Thome of Emmy's German Restaurant and Harold and Christine Watkins of The Red Barn Steakhouse. Over the years, they enjoyed Oktoberfest’s and travel in Germany. Sharing family celebrations at Emmy's became a long-standing tradition.

She is preceded in death by husband, Earl James “Mac” McGuire, Sr.; and her son, Brian “Butch” Richard McGuire. She is survived by sons, Earl James (Jim) McGuire, Jr. of Little Rock, Timothy Alan McGuire, Sr. and wife Kathleen of Fort Smith, and Patrick Daniel McGuire and wife Terrye of Fort Smith. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Aaron McGuire and wife Tiffany, Allyson McGuire, Tessa and husband Justin Minor, Brian McGuire and wife Lauren, Kimberly McGuire, Staci and husband Branden Giertz, and Tim McGuire, Jr. Her four great-grandchildren are Aleah, Isaac and Livya McGuire and Mayah Minor. A fifth great-grandchild, Baby Giertz, arrives in March, 2018.

As Billie's family, we thank the many dedicated professionals who provided her care for the past six years at Mercy Crest, Covington Court, and Mercy Hospice. Your daily interactions went above the responsibilities of skilled caregivers; Billie counted you among her friends and family. We gratefully acknowledge the importance of your chosen careers and thank you for your service to our mother and grandmother.

Pallbearers are Billie's grandsons, her grandsons-in-law and her nephews, Rick Jany of Brownfield, Texas and Norman Reagan of Hannibal, Missouri.

The family requests a private burial for Billie in the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith where she will be laid to rest with her late husband, Earl James McGuire, Sr.

Visitation will be at Edwards Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 from 5-7 PM.

The Memorial service will be on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 12:00 PM noon in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith. All services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com