Billie was born in Osborn, Ohio on April 25, 1927, to Herbert and Helen McGaughey. During the depression, his family moved to Tyrone, Kentucky where he learned many valuable lessons in living in small town America. These lessons guided his life, and he faithfully passed these lessons on to his family. Dad taught us, family is important, hard work is honorable, love and loyalty are more valuable than money and success, character and integrity matter, more good things than we can list here. We are grateful for a wonderful dad that not only instructed us, but inspired us to live a life that mattered. On April 18, 1945, at the age of 18, dad enlisted in the United States Navy. He served stateside during W.W. II, supporting the troops, loving our country, and doing what he could to help protect our freedom. We are grateful for his service ! On February 7, 1946, Billie married Billie Johnson, the love of his life for 76 years. They had a wonderful life together ! What a precious example they set not only for their children, but for so many that watched their lives. Through their marriage teaching us about commitment, giving, forgiving, compromising when necessary to help each other. Dad moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked for the City of Dayton for 30 years. As Supervisor for the City of Dayton he put in many long hours assuring that roads were maintained, safe, and clear(especially during the snows of winter !) Retiring to Florida, Dad was able to enjoy many happy years doing things he enjoyed with family and with friends. He loved to fish… wading for speckled trout, gigging flounder, fishing off the bridge . . . and then enjoying fish dinner with his family !! As he grew older, and activities were limited, he was happy sitting and talking with his family about all the sweet memories that were made in the years before. Dad loved and enjoyed life, but his greatest loves were God and his family. Dad accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour in 1963 and was a faithful Christian for the rest of his life. He loved church, God’s Word, and prayer. He taught us not only by word, but by example, the best life is a life lived for God !! Dad was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister, his precious daughter Betty Wright, and two precious grandchildren – William Bradford Wright and Lauren Nicole Taylor. Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, James McGaughey, Sr. (Sheila), Bill McGaughey, Jr., Sam McGaughey, his daughters, Judy Tipton, Diane Taylor, and son-in-law Bill Wright. 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many precious family members and friends. To those who held dad up in prayer, sent cards, and showed kindness, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We would especially like to thank the kind and caring doctors, nurses, and staff of Sacred Heart Hospital and of Covenant Care Hospice. The love and care you provided to our dad and to our family, truly made a meaningful difference. Private graveside services for family only will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery. Serving as pall bearers will be, Bill McGaughey, Jr., Sam McGaughey, Jeff McGaughey, Jerry McGaughey, Chad Harrell, and Bill Wright. Anyone that would like to attend is invited to a Memorial Service that will be held at 7:00 pm, May 20, 2022, at Charity Baptist Church, 1675 West Roberts Road, Cantonment, Fl., with his son, Pastor James McGaughey officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Charity Baptist Church. Eastern Gate Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. We will always love you, we will miss you, and we will see you soon in heaven !!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EasternGateMemorial.com for the McGaughey family.
