Byron McGough

He was born in Gilmer, TX on April 20, 1946, the only child to parents Woodrow and Florine Atwood McGough and lived his whole life in Gladewater, TX.

Byron graduated from Gladewater High School and attended Stephen F. Austin State University while working at Warr’s Oxford Shop in a one-chair barber shop offering the premier “Roffler Sculpture Cuts.” He followed in his father’s footsteps who was a barber before going into military service. Byron and his best friend, Al Warr, owned and operated “A & B Mobile Homes.” Shortly afterward he began his lifelong career of being an Oil and Gas Landman with his best friend, Randy King.

Byron met Tommy Baker’s sister, Kathy, in 1966, and he made plans to make her a part of his life. He dated her while she was a senior in High School, and secretly gave her a diamond engagement ring to keep hidden until after her graduation. They were married in Nacogdoches in August of 1969 and have been married for 53 years.

The Loves of his Life are his Two Children and their spouses and his Seven Grandchildren:

Lori McGough Harkness and husband Chris Harkness and children Christopher, Chandler, Hannah and Halle. They live in Nacogdoches.

Byron “Adam” McGough and wife Lacy Moss McGough and children Noah, Cooper and Eli. They live in Dallas.

Byron loved flying and owned different aircrafts including his favorite, a Citation Jet. He enjoyed flying family and friends to special vacation spots, especially skiing in Snowmass, Colorado. In more recent times he spent many hours at the local airport helping out in every way possible.

Byron met Charles Bradberry over fifty years ago when he was cutting Charles’ hair. They reunited some years ago, as Charles became his daily Starbucks running buddy, and they shared tending to the SFA Gardens together each week.

Byron has been a member of the North Street Church of Christ since 1967. He loved being with the students at The Yellow House on the SFA campus where he was affectionately known as the “Ice Man” from helping to serve Wednesday meals each week. He loved his church family and would offer a quick smile and a “Thumbs Up” to everyone. He especially enjoyed bringing “donuts” to Bible Class, a tradition the class members have continued.

Byron loved to help others taking on unseen deeds expecting nothing in return. For many years he secretly dressed up as Santa Claus during the holidays and visited schools, city offices, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Affectionately called “Big Daddy” he delighted in carpooling his grandchildren to and from school, practices, dancing and sporting events. In earlier days he supported his children in every sport or activity they were in and was known to fly home just in time for events to begin. In more recent times he tried his best to attend every soccer and football game, dance recital, and every activity his seven grandchildren were involved in. Byron loved watching his daughter, Lori, excel to the highest levels in education, and he admired her deep love of her students. He followed Adam’s rise in public service in Dallas and was so proud of his loving servant spirit to all. His children were his biggest joy in his life.

Family and friends are invited to attend any or all of the scheduled service times on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Byron’s Graveside Service will be at 9:00am at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery at 5127 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX. Visitation will follow at 10:00am at the North Street Church of Christ, 3914 North Street, and Byron’s Memorial and Celebration Service will begin at the church at 11:00am. Everyone is invited to attend all or part of the services.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com for the McGough family.